After 39 seasons under the musical direction of Steven Errante, the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra (WSO) soon will take cues from conductor Peter Askim, according to a news release.

The orchestra’s board of directors announced that Askim will take over as music director and conductor of the WSO on June 1 and will lead the orchestra at the 2025-26 season opening concert on Sept. 20 at the Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College.  

A native of Maine and active composer and conductor, Askim has a personal connection to North Carolina through his work in Raleigh and collaborations with North Carolina artists, the release stated. He currently serves as the artistic director of The Next Festival of Emerging Artists, conductor of the Raleigh Civic Symphony and Chamber Orchestra and director of orchestral activities at N.C. State University.

He was previously music director and composer-in-residence of the Idyllwild Arts Academy Orchestra, according to the release. As a conductor, he has led the American Composers Orchestra, Knoxville Symphony and Vermont Symphony, among others.

Askim stated in the release, “It is amazing what he (Dr. Errante) has built over nearly four decades. I am honored to continue the legacy of Wilmington’s orchestra and look forward to collaborating with the WSO musicians. Community and education are at the heart of my work, and I am eager to deepen WSO’s connection with the people of Wilmington while nurturing the next generation of musicians through its outstanding youth programs. I am also thrilled about the incredible 2025-2026 season ahead, which we will announce in May.

"Additionally, I look forward to conducting WSO’s annual Young People’s Concert and working alongside WSO’s Pops conductor, Dr. Dominic Talanca, to bring exciting and diverse programming to the community.”