David Kidwell (UMW Class of 1989) was honored on Sunday, May 1, for his 25 seasons as conductor of the Holyoke Civic Symphony in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Kidwell was featured as conductor, composer and pianist in the orchestra’s season finale concert, and the city of Holyoke declared May 1 to be David Kidwell Day. Mayor Joshua A. Garcia’s proclamation reads in part, “The relationship Mr. Kidwell has cultivated with the Symphony, now in its 55th year, is treasured by the musicians, guest performers, featured living composers and supported young musicians.”

David Kidwell is also the Minister of Music at the Edwards Church of Northampton, a keyboardist at the Goodspeed Opera House and an accompanist for the music theatre department at The Hartt School.