David Amado Leads the Delaware Symphony Orchestra

Adobe Stock | Martin Barraud/KOTO

September marked the start of David Amado’s 20th season as the Delaware Symphony Orchestra’s music director.

Courtesy of the Delaware Symphony Orchestra

For David Amado, every season at the Delaware Symphony Orchestra is handled with care.

“I put a great deal of thought into crafting, and this season is really no different in that regard. It’s a special season like the other 19,” he says.

The 2022–2023 season, which kicked off in September, marks Amado’s 20th as music director. The Pennsylvania native joined DSO in 2003 following a stint in St. Louis. A trained pianist, the music director didn’t always plan on becoming a conductor but knew a career in music was the right path.

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“The people who were doing stuff that made noise, that resonated with me,” he says.

Over the last 20 years with DSO, Amado has seen successes and challenges, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic. He’s proudest of DSO’s resiliency to perform with pandemic challenges, including protective plexiglass and virtual audiences.

Welcoming audiences back in 2021 was a moment to remember.

“It was a peculiar combination. Spectacular relief and kind of a thrill of being able to do that thing once again. So there was this rush of adrenaline excitement, and at the same time, it was sort of comforting,” he says.

For the 20th season, Amado says he’s excited to bring a variety of offerings to audiences, including Sussex County performances, a free family concert at the Delaware Art Museum, a collaboration with Delaware Shakespeare, a musical compilation of movie scores and other selections, such as Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9.

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Founded in 1929, the Delaware Symphony Orchestra performs for more than 55,000 people around Wilmington each year. Venues include the Grand Opera House, the DuPont Country Club and the Gold Ballroom at Hotel DuPont. For tickets and more information about the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, visit delawaresymphony.org.

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