New leader of Canton Symphony wants to make organization 'more of a household name'

CANTON − Rachel Hagemeier's first introduction to classical music came at age 10 around a campfire at a bluegrass festival in Kansas.

"I am a little unconventional when it comes to ... classical music," said Hagemeier, who will become the new CEO and president of the Canton Symphony Orchestra on Nov. 28. "I grew up on bluegrass music. My dad is in a bluegrass band, and I go to a bluegrass festival every year in Kansas."

She recalled as a youngster listening to musicians jam around the festival campfire, her attention especially drawn to a bassoon.

"There was a bassoonist there," said Hagemeier, who is the symphony's community engagement and education manager. "And she was hanging out and jamming with people ... and I said, 'That's a cool instrument.'"

The next year she returned to the festival with a bassoon in hand. Although her parents were not classical music lovers, they supported their daughter and grew to enjoy the genre.

Rachel Hagemeier's love of symphonies and orchestras blossomed

Hagemeier's interest in symphonies and orchestras continued to blossom.

She joined the Oklahoma Youth Symphony and would go on to graduate from Baldwin Wallace University's Conservatory of Music, where she received her bachelor's of music in bassoon performance, as well as a bachelor's degree in arts administration.

That trajectory has now peaked with Tuesday's announcement that Hagemeier, 25, will assume the top post at the Canton Symphony Orchestra following current CEO Michelle Charles' departure in late November.

Hagemeier said the new opportunity is a "dream come true."

During her three years at the symphony, the Jackson Township resident said she's seen "the impact classical music can have on a community, and I am overjoyed to continue being a part of this incredible work.

"The symphony has been rooted in Stark County for 85 years and I am ready to take us into our next chapter of music-making," she added in a news release. "Canton is a special place filled with talented, hard-working, and creative people, and I am lucky to be a part of it."

Charles had been in the job for 11 years.

“I have loved every minute of my time with the Canton Symphony," Charles said Tuesday in a prepared statement. “I will certainly miss the staff, musicians, patrons, and donors once I leave, but I am excited for my next chapter in my professional career.”

The Canton Symphony Orchestra said it was announcing Charles' departure "with a heavy heart" while also expressing excitement for her successor.

"Hagemeier was the first and obvious choice to replace Charles, demonstrating an unmatched reverence for all things relating to music and education," the Canton Symphony said in a prepared statement. "Her tenacity to accomplish above and beyond what is needed has propelled Canton Symphony's educational initiatives into an unprecedented era of engagement."

During a phone interview earlier this week, Hagemeier praised Charles for leading the organization "wonderfully" and for positioning the symphony orchestra for its next phase.

Staffwide, the organization's goal is to decide "what can we do, what is the next step to becoming more of a household name in Canton and Stark County, (and) what is our place in the community, (as well as) what does that look like, and how can we get even more people engaged in what's happening here?"

Ideas include performing at more venues and being even more engaged with local schools, Hagemeier said.

Some changes are already planned, including Gerhardt Zimmermann stepping down in 2026 as the maestro.

Assistant conductor Matthew Jenkins Jaroszewicz will succeed him. The symphony recently named Jaroszewicz the music director designate upon Zimmermann's retirement.

Hagemeier said she has already worked closely with Jaroszewicz on educational programming and the youth symphony.

Zimmermann's last full season will be during the 2025-2026 season. Following his retirement, Zimmermann will be named music director laureate.

Questions moving forward for Canton Symphony Orchestra

"What is artistically our vision?" Hagemeier said. "How do we make sure we're representing our community in ways that are diverse and equitable?"

The symphony orchestra is a tremendous asset for the community, she noted.

"It's really unique that a community this size has an orchestra this good," Hagemeier said. "And I would just really love it to become a more common knowledge thing that, 'Yes, Canton has a symphony.'"

New CEO says she's ready to take Canton Symphony 'into our next chapter of music-making.'

Hagemeier was recently recognized as a member of Stark County's "Twenty Under 40!" class for 2022. The program is presented by The Canton Repository and ystark!, a division of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with Aultman.

The Twenty under 40! awards are designed to recognize people who are under age 40 and have demonstrated leadership and social responsibility while making a difference in the community.

"The decision to hire Rachel was decided by a combination of parties," said Nathan Maslyk, marketing manager at the symphony orchestra. "Michelle and the executive committee decided on the initial inquiry, and then the rest of the board voted after that."

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Charles was 'driving force behind the increasing notoriety of the Canton Symphony Orchestra'

Starting in late November, Charles will be working at The Summit 91.3 radio station based in Akron. The member-supported public FM station specializes in showcasing local and regional musicians and bands in the indie and alternative rock genre, as well as playing national recording artists. The Summit's diverse mix of music includes classic rock, pop, folk, country, hip-hop and reggae.

The Summit has a variety of programming, and also holds concerts and special events. Sister radio stations are in Youngstown (90.7) and Athens (90.1).

"For over a decade now, Michelle Charles has served as a station volunteer, loyal member, and dedicated advisory board member," Tommy Bruno, general manager of The Summit, said in an emailed comment. "She is skilled in all facets of our nonprofit funding models, including donor relations, business underwriting, and aligning us with foundation support. We are thrilled to have Michelle on our Summit team."

Charles has been recognized for her contributions to the community, including as a member of the 2012 Twenty Under 40 class. In 2018, she was inducted to the YWCA of Stark County’s Women’s Hall of Fame. She's also past president of the Rotary Club of Canton.

Under her leadership, the Canton Symphony Orchestra raised its profile, the news release said.

Charles has served in all capacities for the organization, including as a chorus member, volunteer and board trustee.

"She was a driving force behind the increasing notoriety of the Canton Symphony," the statement said. "Charles was the catalyst for several major activities that solidified the symphony's position in Stark County."

Under her leadership, she oversaw the funding, construction, and eventual operation of the Zimmermann Symphony Center as part of the 2011-2014 capital campaign. The endowment of the Canton Symphony grew from $1.5 million to more than $4 million.

During her tenure, the Canton Symphony brought in many internationally acclaimed guest artists, including Grammy winners Bela Fleck and Sylvia McNair. The symphony also has collaborated with numerous organizations, including the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, Canton Museum of Art, Massillon Museum, Stark Parks and the Dancing Wheels.

Reach Ed at 330-580-8315 and ebalint@gannett.com

On Twitter @ebalintREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Michelle Charles stepping down as CEO of Canton Symphony Orchestra