Symphony of Northwest Arkansas Names New Executive Director

The Symphony of Northwest Arkansas has named a new executive director. Effective July 1, Matthew Herren, the orchestra’s personnel manager and associate principal cello, will replace outgoing symphony director Karen Kapella.

Beginning June 15, Herren will start working with Kapella to ensure a smooth transition, according to a press release issued by SoNA.

Cynthia Smith, chair of SoNA’s board of directors, said, “I’m so pleased to welcome Matt as executive director and look forward to building upon the momentum SoNA has established these past few years.”

Smith said a national search attracted almost three dozen applicants.

Herren, who has a master’s degree in music from The Juilliard School, has over 20 years of experience in the classical music industry, both as a musician and arts administrator.

Herren has played under many distinguished conductors, including James Conlon, James Levine, Roger Norrington, André Previn, Simon Rattle, Gerard Schwarz, and Michael Stern. In popular music, Herren has performed with Metallica, Peter Gabriel, Sting, Billy Joel, and James Taylor, among others, according to SoNA’s press release.

SoNA music director Paul Haas said he’s ready to work with a known and trusted quantity.

“I’ve been privileged to work with Matt, both as cellist and SoNA’s personnel manager, and I have the utmost regard for him as a musician and leader,” Haas said. “SoNA is poised for its next growth stage, and I couldn’t be happier to be working alongside Matt as we enter this new and exciting terrain.”