Sudbury Symphony Orchestra names new musical director

After a two year search, the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra finally has a new musical director. Mlanie Lonard of Montreal will take over the job later this year.

Lonardsaid she is excited to conduct a group of musicians that are already well-established in the community.

"They have great talent and there is incredible potential," Leonard.

"I want to celebrate what's been done. I want to celebrate where they are right now because I think it is to be...and recognized and appreciated," she said. "I want to build on that."

Lonard came to Sudbury in February to audition for the position, which included conducting the orchestra in front of an audience.

She was one of three finalists, narrowed down from the more 100 applicants.

It was Lonard's engaging personality that helped her stand out, according to the symphony'sexecutive director.

"She is brilliant on stage," Jennifer McGillivary said.

"She's bright [and] she's engaging. She's a musicologist and she has such as wonderful perspective on classical music and on the different kinds of music that might be important to bring to Sudbury."

Lonard's first performance as orchestra conductor will be October 1.