Image by Arkansas Symphony Orchestra

Philip Mann, Music Director for the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.

Philip Mann, currently an American Conducting Fellow and the San Diego Symphony’s Assistant Conductor, has been named the new music director of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Cue the "he's the Mann!" puns!

Mann will succeed David Ikin, who's about to wrap up his final season as music director and conductor. He's been with the ASO for 17 years.

The ASO officially announced Mann this morning, although his appointment was reported earlier today.

"I'm thrilled at the prospect of joining the ASO as it turns the page and embarks on a new chapter in its already celebrated history," Mann said. "The orchestra, with its talented, committed musicians, is poised to accomplish great things in Little Rock and beyond. It is a gem of which all Arkansans should be very proud, and I look forward to helping make this new era a special one indeed."

You can read all about Mann right here -- even listen as he conducts the ASO's performance of Tchaikovsky's "Symphony No. 5."