SKYPAC names Joseph Trafton Jr. new Music Director of Orchestra Kentucky

BOWLING GREEN, KY. – The Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center officially announced Joseph Trafton Jr. as the new music director of Orchestra Kentucky and the Ramsey Theatre Company.

Trafton brings more than 20 years of experience performing and conducting around the world. He says stepping into the role has already had a major impact on his life.

“I have a sense of peace and excitement,” Trafton said. “My wife told me last night she hasn’t seen me this happy before.”

SKYPAC leaders say Trafton’s experience and connection to Bowling Green made him the right fit for the position.

“My hope from the beginning was that I would be able to hand off the orchestra to someone who could take it to the next level,” said Jeff Reed, president and CEO of SKYPAC and outgoing music director. “And that it would happen at a time where I could support them and enjoy watching it grow.”

Longtime Orchestra Kentucky supporters Mike and Pam Thurman say the organization’s success would not have been possible without community support over the years.

“It’s really amazing,” the Thurmans said. “When we started 26 years ago, nothing existed. Now you see a whole new audience coming in, and people are getting younger.”

Leaders say the transition represents more than a change in leadership, it’s an opportunity to continue growing the arts community in Bowling Green for future generations.

For more information on SKYPAC and the changes, click here.