Robert McCurdy elected president of Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra
Newburgh. McCurdy succeeds John Bliss, who has completed a second term.
| 03 Sep 2023 | 12:54
The Board of the Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra (GNSO) has elected Robert (Bob) McCurdy as president. His father, the late Fred McCurdy, was one of the orchestra’s founders and served as president for 10 years.
The Board of the Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra (GNSO) has elected Robert (Bob) McCurdy as president, succeeding John Bliss, who has completed a second term.
Joining McCurdy as officers are Vice President Anthony (Tony) Varano, Secretary Doris Bjorkman and Treasurer Pat Williams. Bliss becomes Immediate Past President.
McCurdy has served on the board since 2014, most recently as vice president. His father, the late Fred McCurdy, was one of the orchestra’s founders and served as president for 10 years.
Professionally, McCurdy is president of GTI Graphic Technology, Inc., the leader in the design and manufacturing of ISO 3664 and ASTM D1729 compliant lighting systems for critical color viewing and matching. The company has offices in Newburgh and Wittmund, Germany. He has a B.A. degree in economics and math from Colby College in Waterville, Maine.
McCurdy said that while his own musical skills regretfully stopped advancing after leaving behind his piano and guitar to start his business career, he maintains an appreciation for great music and his belief that the world is a better place when the sounds of classic symphonies reverberate through it.
“Helping the GNSO soothe and inspire our audiences,” he said, “is a great motivator for me.”
The GNSO Board reflects the “Greater Newburgh” in its title. Seven members are from Newburgh, with the balance from New Hampton, Pleasant Valley, Highland Mills, Middletown, New Windsor, Mahopac, Wallkill, Montgomery and Poughkeepsie.
The organization’s musicians are similarly dispersed with the majority coming from around Orange County and 40 percent from a combination of Dutchess, Ulster and Putnam counties.
The Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra is one of the leading cultural institutions of the Hudson River Valley. It was founded in 1995 by Dr. Woomyung Choe and its first president, George Handler, who was followed as president after 10 years by the late Fred McCurdy. In addition to its regular concerts, the Orchestra performs special engagements, such as with Moxart and summer concerts at Boscobel House and Gardens.