Asheville, N.C. — July 15, 2026 — The Asheville Symphony is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Justin L. Addington as the new Director of the Asheville Symphony Chorus. 

Addington is a conductor, educator, and church musician with over 25 years of experience, including performances at Carnegie Hall, international concert tours, and the 2026 D-Day commemorations in France. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in music education from Limestone College, a Master of Church Music in choral conducting from Concordia University Wisconsin, and a Doctorate of Theology in worship and liturgical studies from the Robert E. Webber Institute. Addington has taught music in public schools, served as a board member for several nonprofit arts organizations, and has also worked extensively as an actor, music director, and pianist for semi-professional and community theater companies.

Choirs under Addington’s leadership have toured England, Austria, and Italy, sung in Carnegie Hall, performed at the renowned Piccolo Spoleto Festival, and appeared at conventions of the American Choral Directors Association. Most recently, he served as conductor of the American Choir for World Peace, an ecumenical ensemble of over 65 singers that represented the United States at the 2026 D-Day commemorations in France.

For the past six years, Addington has served as Associate Minister for Music and Worship at First Baptist Church of Savannah, Georgia. Earlier this summer, he began serving as Pastor for Music and Worship at First Baptist Church of Asheville, one of the Asheville Symphony’s primary performance venues during the 2026–2027 season.

“I am delighted to join the Asheville Symphony team, and look forward to collaborating with their talented staff and musicians,” said Addington. “I also look forward to strengthening the relationship between First Baptist Church, the Asheville Symphony, and our broader community.”

This appointment marks a significant new chapter in the Asheville Symphony’s artistic leadership. “I am very excited to welcome Dr. Justin Addington to the Asheville Symphony Chorus,” said Asheville Symphony Music Director Darko Butorac. “He is an inspiring and conscientious musician, and I look forward to working with him to grow the impact and presence of the Symphony Chorus.”

“Dr. Addington is an exceptional choice to lead the Asheville Symphony Chorus,” said Asheville Symphony Executive Director Daniel Crupi. “His musicianship, leadership, and ability to connect with singers were evident throughout the audition process, and I have no doubt he will build on the Chorus’ tradition of excellence. We are also delighted to welcome him to Asheville at a time when First Baptist Church continues to serve as such an important partner to the Symphony and the cultural life of our community.” 

Addington succeeds Kyle Ritter, who served as Director of the Asheville Symphony Chorus for four years and continues to serve as Canon for Music at The Cathedral of All Souls in Asheville.

To learn more about Addington and his work, visit www.justinladdington.com.