Late Career

Russell Stanger in 1992.

During the 90s Stanger remained active as a conductor and composer, continuing to make appearances locally and abroad. Highlights from this period include additional performances in Japan, and also a focus on music education and working with youth orchestras.

Article announcing the arrival of the Kokura Boys and Girls choir for a joint performance with students from the Governor's School for the Arts (Virginian-Pilot, 1992).

A invitation to Stanger from the mayor's office for an official luncheon welcoming the 1992 delegation from Kitakyushu.

Article about the Kokura Boys and Girls Choir performance in Norfolk (Virginian-Pilot, 1992). 

In 1992 the Norfolk Sister Cities Association helped sponsor a visit by the Kokura Boys and Girls Choir (from Kitakyushu, sister city of Norfolk since 1963) who participated in a concert of patriotic music with students from the Governor's School for the Arts.

Stanger received an Honorary Life Membership in the Tri-M Music Honor Society in 1993 for his work with young musicians. 

In 1993 Stanger was recognized with an Honorary Life Membership of the Tri-M Music Honor Society (a program of the National Association for Music Education, formerly the Music Educators National Conference) for his work with young musicians. 

Stanger conducting students of the New York State Summer School of the Arts School of Orchestral studies in 1994. 

Stanger conducting students of NYSSSA in 1994.

Stanger conducting students of NYSSSA in 2001.

Stanger continued his service as Music Director for the New York State Summer School of the Arts School of Orchestral Studies (NYSSSA SOS) through the 90s and well into the 2000s, finally retiring in 2008 after 26 seasons. 

Article about Stanger's 10th visit to Japan where he would conduct the world premiere of his tone poem, Miyazaki. (Virginian-Pilot, 1994)

A rare glimpse behind the scenes: during the composition of his work, Miyazaki, Stanger expressesses his exasperation in meeting the changing demands of those who commissioned the piece. 

Poster for the 1994 world premiere of Miyazaki.

Stanger's notes in preparation for a few remarks in Japanese.

Stanger shakes hands with the mayor of Miyazaki in 1999.

In 1993 Stanger was commissioned by the city of Miyazaki, sister city of Virginia Beach, to write a large work for orchestra commemorating that city's 70th anniversary. The work, entitled Miyazaki, premiered April 17, 1994 during Stanger's 10th visit to Japan. He would go on to make several more visits to that nation while remaining active in the Norfolk and Virginia Beach Sister City Associations.