Jeff Reed steps down as music director of Orchestra Kentucky
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Twenty-six years ago, Jeff Reed became one of the founders of a renowned orchestra that has now become a staple of the music scene in south-central Kentucky and has showcased their talent all across the state.
On Tuesday, he has announced that he is stepping down as music director of Orchestra Kentucky during the 2026-27 season and will be looking to hand the podium off to someone else. Reed has seen the orchestra go from performing in front of 150 people to thousands all across the state. Reed says that while the talent pool for a music director is a small one, they are looking forward to bringing in someone to take the orchestra to the next level.
“I want it to go to a new level that I would never have dreamt of. So I hope that we get a new music director who has the artistic abilities and leadership that can dream bigger dreams, that can take the playing to a higher level, that can take programing to a higher level,” Reed said.
In those 26 years, Orchestra Kentucky has performed all across the state in places like Somerset, Scottsville, Glasgow and even the governor’s mansion. This venture has even opened up incredible opportunities as Reed was able to conduct at the famous Royal Albert Music Hall in London, England. During some of that time, Reed also worked as president and CEO of SKYPAC and said that the work was taxing, and he looks forward to now becoming a member of the audience.
“I’m looking forward to just being an audience member after being on the podium for 26 years. We’ve had some guest conductors and more recently, but just being able to enjoy it. I’ve always said I have the best seat in the house on the podium. There’s nothing like having 60 professional musicians play in front of you. It’s something that I wish everyone could imagine and experience, but it’s also enjoyable to not have any of the worries. I mean, you’re working when you’re up there. I want to just relax and enjoy it,” Reed said.
Reed says that the search for a new director could take some time, but is committed to finding someone who is the perfect fit and will continue to bring great music all across the state.
