YOBC Founding Music Director Robert Loughran Retires After 32 Years

Robert Loughran, the founding music director of the Youth Orchestra of Bucks County (YOBC), has announced his retirement at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 season. Mr. Loughran will be ending his 32-year tenure on the podium after YOBC’s Austrian Concert Tour this July.

Mr. Loughran treasures what he calls the “YOBC Family,” and embodies the joy, artistry, and optimism that defines YOBC. The positive effects he has had on both the organization and thousands of students’ lives are incalculable. YOBC is grateful for Mr. Loughran’s incredible dedication and service.

“Maestro Loughran’s commitment to the Youth Orchestra of Bucks County and his passion for music education have made YOBC what it is today. On behalf of the Board of Directors I thank him for his inspirational quest for musical excellence that inspires everyone in the organization.” -Board President, Andrew States

Looking toward the future, the Youth Orchestra of Bucks County is pleased to announce the appointment of Sebastian Grand as the Music Director beginning in the 2024-2025 season. Mr. Grand has been the conductor of YOBC’s Philharmonia since 2016; he also is the Music Director of the Delaware County Symphony (PA), the McLean Symphony (VA) and the Assistant Conductor for Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey and the Bucks County Symphony Orchestra. The YOBC Board is excited to welcome Mr. Grand in this new role. YOBC gratefully celebrates the legacy of Mr. Loughran’s leadership and excitedly looks towards a future of musical opportunities for students.

“I thank our entire YOBC musical family for the artistic memories that we have shared through the years, and I am absolutely delighted that Sebastian Grand will be YOBC’s next Music Director. May we continue to be inspired by the potential of what our students can create .... and may we all believe in, and cherish, the boundless future of this wonderful Youth Orchestra of Bucks County!” - Bob Loughran

Mr. Loughran is directly responsible for the founding and growth of YOBC and its programs. In March of 1991, Carol Gimbel, an eighth-grade violist, returned from BCMEA String Day and asked her father, Joseph Gimbel, “If there are so many young string players in Bucks County, why isn’t there a youth orchestra here?” When Mr. Gimbel asked her who should conduct it, her answer was simple: "Mr. Loughran, of course." Mr. Loughran and the Gimbels worked together to find rehearsal space, audition musicians, and perform countless other tasks to allow 61 musicians to rehearse the first movement of Schubert's 9th Symphony and other works in Bucks County Community College's Tyler Hall, in January of 1992.

Since then, Mr. Loughran has been at the helm of YOBC’s Symphony Orchestra, leading with musical expertise and always keeping the musical growth and development of YOBC students at the forefront. He has helped YOBC expand into an organization that includes seven large ensembles, masterclasses, guest clinicians and soloists, and access to free programming for students in need. Mr. Loughran has championed international tours, taking YOBC students on international concert tours biennially since 2002. YOBC has educated over 5,000 students since its founding in 1991.

We invite you to join us for Mr. Loughran’s last spring concert with the YOBC Symphony Orchestra on Sunday, April 14, 2024, 4:00pm at Delaware Valley University. Tickets and further information are available at yobc.org/tickets

To make a tax-deductible contribution in honor of Mr. Loughran visit yobc.org/donate. Funds will go towards YOBC student scholarships and programs.