Leadership

Michael Hall

Michael Hall, Music Director

Currently in his 9th season as Music Director of the Kennett Symphony and his 5th season as Music Director of the Prince George Symphony in British Columbia, Canada, as well as holding the position of Principal Guest Conductor of the Space Coast Symphony in Florida, Maestro Hall is recognized for his inspired performances, imaginative programming, and passion for developing new audiences. Hall is especially passionate about seeking innovative ways to present concerts that break down perceived barriers, which is crucial for the art form to thrive. A passionate advocate for music education, both in the concert hall and in the classroom, Maestro Hall has conducted many noteworthy college and youth orchestras including the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra, the Winnipeg Symphony Youth Orchestra, and the Orchestra of the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University.

Hall holds a Master’s degree in conducting from the University of Michigan, having studied with renowned conducting pedagogue Gustav Meier, and a DipRAM from the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he worked with Sir Colin Davis. Recognized for his talent among his peers, Maestro Hall was a finalist in the International Conducting Competition in Besançon France and was awarded Third Prize in the Cadaques Orchestra International Conducting Competition in Spain.

Monica Buffington, Executive Director

Monica Buffington brings to the Kennett Symphony over 20 years of executive leadership experience working within corporate and non-profit environments. Specializing in organizational strategy and business development, Monica works with the Board of Directors to manage and implement all aspects of the Kennett Symphony’s operations including fiscal leadership, program stewardship, artistic operations, strategic collaborations, marketing, communications, development/fundraising, grant writing, and board development.

Monica is a magna cum laude graduate of Yale University where she studied on full scholarship to earn her Master of Music, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from West Chester University.

Board of Directors

Our dedicated board members are leaders who live and work in the Greater Philadelphia region and help us build partnerships with leading regional community organizations.

  • Veronica Mikitka Reed  |  President

  • Timothy J. Murnane, PMP  |  Immediate Past President

  • William Ronayne  |  Vice President

  • Rhonda Cook | Secretary

  • Kathryn Listerman, CPA  |  Treasurer

  • Katherine Ball-Weir

  • Timothy Blair, DMA.

  • Monica Buffington  |  Ex-Officio

  • Vincent Craig, DMA

  • Martha Diffey

  • Rosemary C. Di Rita

  • Michael Hall  |  Ex-officio

  • Mary Ellen Josephs

  • Eileen Keller  |  Ex-officio

  • Kathryn B. Knox, ACFRE

  • Geoffrey A. McCarthy

  • Robert A. Rinaldi

  • Lin Tan, PhD

  • David Ventura

  • Catherine Williams

Emereti Board

  • Sandra Thompson

  • Alvin Willard, PhD.

  • Hope Middleton Wood

  • John A. Yeatman

  • Sandra P. Yeatman