Germantown Symphony Orchestra conductor is laying down his baton
Ronald Vernon conducts rehearsal at Houston High School, Thursday, May 14, 2026 in preparation for the 50th anniversary concert. Vernon will step down as the symphony's music director and conductor after 25 years at the helm. (Greg Campbell/Special to The Daily Memphian)
When Ron Vernon takes the stage in front of the Germantown Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, May 16 it will be one of his last times directing the ensemble.
After 25 years of driving from his home in Oxford, Mississippi, to lead Tennessee’s longest-standing community symphonic orchestra, he is retiring at the end of the season. When he steps from the Germantown Performing Arts Center stage, he will direct the orchestra at two more outdoor venues — one June 6 in Ripley, Tennessee, and the other on June 11 at the Grove at GPAC.
“A lot of times when people think of the Germantown Symphony Orchestra, they think of Ron Vernon,” said Jonathan Schallert, who will succeed the longtime director.
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Germantown Germantown Symphony Orchestra Germantown Performing Arts Center Orchestra Music ron vernon jonathan schallert Subscriber OnlyThank you for reading The Daily Memphian. Your support is critical.
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Abigail Warren
Abigail Warren is an award-winning reporter and covers Collierville and Germantown for The Daily Memphian. She was raised in the Memphis suburbs, attended Westminster Academy and studied journalism at the University of Memphis. She has been with The Daily Memphian since 2018.
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