Oral History Interview with Ryan, Louis F.

Louis Ryan was a member of the Symphony’s Board of Directors from 1979 to 1989, through the period of the merger of the Norfolk Symphony, the Peninsula Orchestra, and the Virginia Beach Pops which led to the formation of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. He served as president during the 1983-1984 season after several years’ service as executive vice-president. The high point of his presidency was finishing the year in the black, without any debt. Ryan was born in Richmond, Virginia on March 18, 1947. OThe interview was conducted with Louis Ryan in the Digital Services Center of the ODU Perry Library for a project on the history of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Transcripts, audio and photographs are included. 0:53:00

Louis Ryan was a member of the Symphony’s Board of Directors from 1979 to 1989, through the period of the merger of the Norfolk Symphony, the Peninsula Orchestra, and the Virginia Beach Pops which led to the formation of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. He served as president during the 1983-1984 season after several years’ service as executive vice-president. The high point of his presidency was finishing the year in the black, without any debt. Ryan was born in Richmond, Virginia on March 18, 1947. OThe interview was conducted with Louis Ryan in the Digital Services Center of the ODU Perry Library for a project on the history of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Transcripts, audio and photographs are included.

Photograph of Jean Major and Louis Ryan taken during oral history interview for the Virginia Symphony Archives project.

Photograph of Louis Ryan taken during oral history interview for the Virginia Symphony Archives project.