Allentown Symphony Orchestra says Goodbye to Ronald Demkee in July 2024

Wittry was referring to Demkee’s long-time position as conductor of the Allentown Band which performs several concerts a year at the venerable 123-year-old theater in downtown Allentown.

Demkee’s tenure with the Allentown Symphony dates back to the 1979-1980 season when he became Principal Tuba and first performed in that role in January 1980.

Looking ahead, Wittry shared that, “I will continue to conduct some pops concerts, but we are going to start bringing in guest conductors and see how both our audiences and musicians respond to them. There is no set timeline or determination for appointing a new Pops Conductor, but that will be continually evaluated as time goes on.” Wittry further explained that, “the Principal Tuba position will be auditioned at the appropriate time as is the case with any other open positions in our wonderful orchestra.”