About WPO

The Warren Philharmonic Orchestra is comprised of 60 professional musicians, many of whom are faculty members and graduates of such conservatories as the Juilliard School, the Eastman School of Music, the Cleveland Institute of Music and the Dana School of Music. Music Director Susan Davenny Wyner has received international acclaim for her recordings and conducting of concerts and opera throughout the US and Europe. The WPO’s current administrative staff includes Executive Director, Barry Dunaway, Concert Manager, Tim Powell and Special Projects Manager, Hubert Evans.

A TRIBUTE TO THE WARREN PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
FOUNDER JOHN W. KURTZ

In the year 1963 Attorney John W. Kurtz became the founder and incorporator of the Warren Symphony Society, now known as the Warren Philharmonic Orchestra. He has served the Community since 1952, not only as a scholarly and distinguished attorney, but he has contributed greatly to the Arts.

In 1971 he assisted in forming the Fine Arts Council of Trumball County. In the 1950's he founded and served as the Director of the Warren Civic Chorus, known today as the Warren Community Chorus, that presents Handel's Messiah annually.

He initiated the monetary drive and directed the installation of chimes installed in the dome of the Trumball County Courthouse. Today he oversees its musical operation.

He has directed church choirs in the community for 39-years and has been Director of the Living Lord Lutheran Church Choir for the last 12-years. As an avid traveler he led choir tours to Europe on at least twelve occasions.

Besides his devotion to the Arts, Mr. Kurtz has devoted considerable time over the years to local community affairs as a member of the Trumball County Board of Elections; a member and former President of the Howland Board of Education; a member of the YMCA Board of Trustees and for several years as a member of the Trumball County Chapter of the American Red Cross. He presently serves as Secretary to SCOPE's Board of Directors.

After graduating from Middletown Ohio High School ne served his country as a Technical Sgt. in the 274th Armored Field Artillery in Europe during World War II as part of General Patton's 3rd Army Division. Upon his discharge from the service he entered Cincinnati University graduating in 1950 with a Juris Doctor's degree from the College of Law. In 1952 he began practicing law in Warren as a partner with Attorney Carl Thomas and later became owner and President of the Trumball County Abstract Co. and Issuing Agent for Old Republic Title Insurance Co.

Thanks to his foresight we have this wonderful organization called the Warren Philharmonic Orchestra.