UWSP professor named music, executive director of Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra

By Patrick Lynn

STEVENS POINT — The Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra has appointed UW-Stevens Point Associate Professor Andy Moran as its new music and executive director, the organization announced this week.

Moran, who has served as the orchestra’s music director since 2020, will continue in that role while taking on expanded administrative duties. The CWSO Board of Directors made the appointment official following Moran’s performance as interim executive director.

“I am truly honored to be stepping into this new role with the CWSO,” Moran said in a statement. “Since moving to Wisconsin in 2016, I’ve seen firsthand the impact we make in our community and our potential for increased accessibility to great performances and outreach programs. Leading the organization both onstage and off will be a new challenge that I am eager to undertake.”

CWSO Board President Al Chaney praised Moran’s work during his interim tenure.

“Our board was thoroughly impressed with Andy’s performance as interim executive director,” Chaney said. “His exceptional organizational, leadership, and financial skills, combined with his ability to foster strong relationships and camaraderie with the staff, have contributed significantly to our success this season. He has earned and deserves the title.”

Moran joined the UW-Stevens Point faculty in 2016 as director of orchestras and quickly established himself as a versatile conductor. He has guest-conducted for the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra and Waupaca BachFest, among other groups.

Also an accomplished horn player, Moran has performed with the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra, Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra, El Paso Symphony Orchestra, Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra, Brevard Music Center Orchestra, and the Sarasota Music Festival.

The CWSO is composed of 65 professional musicians from across the central Wisconsin region, including music educators, professors, and students from UW-Stevens Point. The orchestra is celebrating its 76th year and has a mission “to enrich, engage and educate through the power and performance of live music.”