Dayton Philharmonic Artistic Director Neal Gittleman Awarded Prestigious 2014 Governor's Award for the Arts in Ohio

Dayton Philharmonic Artistic Director Neal Gittleman Awarded Prestigious 2014 Governor's Award for the Arts in Ohio

DAYTON, Ohio, May 22, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Wednesday, May 21, 2014, Dayton Philharmonic Artistic Director Neal Gittleman was one of six recipients to be awarded the 2014 Governor's Awards for the Arts in Ohio. The award was presented at a ceremony hosted by the Ohio Arts Council and Ohio Citizens for the Arts Foundation.

The Governor's Awards for the Arts is a statewide program celebrating support of the arts in Ohio. Winners were selected in six categories from 76 nominations submitted by individuals and organizations throughout Ohio. Maestro Gittleman received the award for Community Development and Participation, recognizing his extraordinary 20 years as Artistic Director and Conductor for the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and his outstanding commitment to community in Dayton.

"Collaboration in the arts is much talked about, but Neal not only talks the talk, he walks the walk," says DPAA President & CEO Paul Helfrich. "He has a long track record of working with organizations in the community for highly successful collaborative performances."

When asked about his accomplishments, Gittleman humbly points to one main success and shares the spotlight with the musicians who surround him. "When I came to DPO, my goal was to make the orchestra a vital, indispensable part of the Dayton community, something of which everyone in Dayton could be proud. I think the Orchestra has done just that. We touch the hearts of people in our community and across our geographic area. There are many performances of which I'm proud, but those are far less important than the fact that what we do makes a difference to people. That's the most important accomplishment, I think."

DPAA Trustee Wendy Campbell explains, "Neal embodies the values that are the very fabric of Dayton: great culture, accessibility, and innovation. Neal has inspired us with his fresh ideas and collaborative spirit to dream and invent." DPAA Advisory Board Member Lou Mason adds, "Neal is truly a gem of the Gem City. He is an excellent leader for the Dayton Philharmonic and has been a champion of the merger of the Ballet, Opera, and Philharmonic, the first such merger in the country. He is an integral part of the Dayton community, and I'm happy he is receiving the recognition he deserves."

CONTACT: ANGELA WHITEHEAD
Communications & Media Manager
Dayton Performing Arts Alliance
Phone 937-224-3521x1138
awhitehead@daytonperformingarts.org



SOURCE Dayton Performing Arts Alliance

Dayton Performing Arts Alliance


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