Ronald Feldman named music director of the Longwood Symphony Orchestra

By Thomasine Berg, Globe Staff

Conductor Ronald Feldman has been named music director of the Longwood Symphony Orchestra, effective immediately. The announcement was made Monday, after a search of more than a year and a half. Feldman steps into the post vacated by longtime music director Jonathan McPhee, who left Longwood at the end of the 2010-11 season.

Feldman is on the faculties of the New England Conservatory of Music and the Berklee College of Music. He is artist in residence and chamber music coordinator as a faculty member of Williams College, and is music director of the Berkshire Symphony Orchestra.

Past appointments include music director of the New England Philharmonic and assistant conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra under John Williams, from 1989 to 1993. He is also known for guest-conducting appearances with such groups as the London Symphony Orchestra and the St. Louis Symphony, and for continuing to perform as a cellist, having retired from a 35-year career with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 2001.

Monday’s announcement was made by Dr. Mark C. Gebhardt and Dr. Stephen C. Wright, co-chairs of the Longwood’s board of directors. Most members of the Longwood Symphony Orchestra are doctors, scientists, mental health professionals, nurses, and students in health-related fields.

Thomasine Berg can be rched at tberg@globe.com