Conductor to lead orchestra beginning July 1 as symphony prepares for 75th season
REDLANDS, Calif. — The Redlands Symphony has named Deanna Tham as its next music director and conductor, selecting an experienced leader with a track record of community-centered programming and musical innovation.
Tham will become the ninth music director in the symphony’s history when she assumes the role July 1, ahead of the 2026-27 season, which will mark the orchestra’s 75th season.
Her appointment also marks a historic milestone: Tham will be the first woman to serve as music director of a major orchestra in the Inland Empire, including the Redlands Symphony, San Bernardino Symphony and Riverside Philharmonic.
Tham emerged from a months-long national search that drew 96 applicants. A committee of musicians, board members, community representatives and the symphony’s executive director narrowed the pool to 18 candidates for interviews before selecting three finalists — Tham, Kalena Bovell and Roger Kalia — who each led concerts during the 2025-26 season.
The symphony’s board of directors said Tham stood out during the search process for her musical expertise, collaborative approach and interest in understanding the role the orchestra plays in the community.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Deanna Tham to the Redlands Symphony family and to our community,” board President Karen Hansberger said in a statement. “The Board was impressed with Deanna’s depth of musical knowledge, her curiosity in wanting to learn about our community and how the Symphony fits into it, and her rapport and collegiality with musicians, audiences, donors, and staff.”
Tham currently serves as music director of the Union Symphony Orchestra in North Carolina. Her previous roles include associate conductor with the Oregon Symphony, assistant conductor with the Omaha Symphony, assistant conductor of the Jacksonville Symphony and principal conductor of the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras.
In addition to her performance experience, Tham is known for her commitment to expanding access to music through education and community-based programming. She has developed performance series designed to engage broader audiences and created school-based programs for young people.
“We are excited to see where Ms. Tham’s expertise in musical performance, music education, and community-centric musical events takes the Redlands Symphony and, more importantly, how her unique skill set will help the Symphony serve the greater community,” said Dr. Bob Bourne, chair of the symphony’s music director search committee.
In a statement, Tham said she looks forward to building on the region’s strong support for the arts.
“I am beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as Redlands Symphony’s next Music Director and Conductor,” Tham said. “It is rare to find a community as special as Redlands (and her neighbors), where the arts are celebrated and uplifted.”
Executive Director Kevin Eberle-Noel said planning is already underway for the upcoming season, which coincides with the symphony’s milestone anniversary.
“We’re working on amazing programs that everyone in our community can find great benefit from all while being swept away in the soundtrack of Redlands that only the Redlands Symphony can provide,” Eberle-Noel said.
More information about Tham and the Redlands Symphony is available at RedlandsSymphony.com.
This article was written based on a press release from the Redlands Symphony.