Crust happy to agree to extension with LSO

Apr. 1—LIMA — Maestro Andrew Crust will be in Lima for another three years beyond his current tenure and he thinks his best work is ahead of him.

And with the Lima Symphony Orchestra extending his contract through the 2025-26 season, it is clear the orchestra agrees.

"We started our relationship in a very chaotic time in 2020 so it took a while for us to get to know each other in terms of all that we could do in our full capacity," Crust said of being hired during the pandemic. "But we've been going strong for three years and I think it's important to have a long relationship with an orchestra so that you can build out some of these interesting and really relevant programs that take a lot of time. I also need more time to learn about the community and the orchestra and I feel like we're all in a very good place right now in terms of our relationship and working together."

Crust, who had also been the conductor of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra at the same time, is also moving on to being the new conductor of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra. But he said it was a natural thing to do to extend his work in Lima.

"I think we've done a lot of great programs, but there are even more to come," he said. "And I think audiences can expect more community-based relevant programming, as well as diverse programming of different styles. And we are also reaffirming our commitment to education in so many ways across the entire county."

Next up for the LSO is a concert featuring the music of the film composer John Williams.

"If you've never been to the symphony, you absolutely have to come," Crust said. "It's a gem of the community. There is world-class music making happening in every different style imaginable."

For now, though, Crust is still reflecting on his fortune.

"I'm thrilled," he said. "I'm happy that I have the trust of the organization and the same is true from my end. I want to thank the Executive Director Elizabeth Brown-Ellis and Board President Ty Lotz for trusting in me and for the musicians for all the hard work they do."

The orchestra will perform "The Music of John Williams" at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 15 at the Civic Center.

Reach Jacob Espinosa at 567-242-0399.