Piano prodigy executive director of Wenatchee Valley Symphony's next movement
Wenatchee World
By Jessica Drake
Celebrating a well-composed start to its 79th season and a milestone 80th anniversary in the wings, the Wenatchee Valley Symphony Orchestra has appointed Anton Zotov as its executive director.
As a classically trained pianist and experienced arts leader, Zotov leads administration as a dynamic duo with Nikolas Caoile, music director and conductor. The board continues to be led by President Ron Lodge, Vice President Stan Fishburn, as well as Secretary Don Larson, Treasurer Ken Hunnicutt, and Directors Tom McNair, Karen Keleman and Glen Gurnard.
Youth symphony directors Mika Armaly and Michelle Vaughn add to the artistic staff, and next season’s most youth-friendly performance is “Tchaikovsky Discovers America.” Not to mention the family favorite for all ages: “Star Wars” in a symphonic soundtrack concert.
The 2025-26 season arrives at a crescendo point for the symphony, which closed its latest season with a budget surplus and increased attendance. Memberships range from $35 for individuals to $50 for families, to $250 to $500 for friends-level supporters, and onwards from $1,000 to $4,000 for the circles of the symphony.
Wenatchee’s big orchestra fans can look forward to a collaboration with the “little orchestra” since 1994 from Portland, Pink Martini, a returning hit band that blends classical, pop, jazz, Latin and world music styles.
Another Oregon-based cellist and composer, Nancy Ives, offers deep themes of the Pacific Northwest’s wild history to her major works. That’s close to home for director Zotov, a nature lover who comes most recently from Vancouver, where he founded a classical concert series highlighting solo and chamber works, as well as co-owning and operating a mortgage business. He also served on the board of the Portland Chamber Orchestra during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a professional classical piano soloist, accompanist, ensemble player and university teacher, Zotov has had a deep personal connection to music since childhood and earned degrees in performance in Ukraine, Chicago and Florida.
Zotov said he hopes to build on the symphony’s strong community support while welcoming new audiences, donors, and volunteers.
“There’s something powerful about a regional symphony like this — especially one that’s lasted 80 years,” he said. “It reflects what a community values.”
The full season announcement and ticket details will be released in August. More information is available at wenatcheesymphony.com.