Hunter Scott Safrit

Executive Director, Salisbury Symphony
Director, Salisbury-Rowan Choral Society

Native of Rowan County

Industry: Arts & Entertainment

Hunter Scott Safrit is right at home in his native Rowan County because of its long-time emphasis on the arts. He would direct newcomers to “the cultural and arts scene in Salisbury — “wonderful theaters, countless art galleries, and of course, the Salisbury Symphony.”

Hunter is beginning his second year as Executive Director of the Salisbury Symphony. Having a professional symphony in a town the size of Salisbury is always a high note among Rowan County achievements. He also directs the Salisbury-Rowan Choral Society, the oldest serving choral society in the state, and sings in the choir at his church, St. Luke’s Episcopal. He finds the community open and welcoming. 

“We have so much to offer, given our size,” he says of his home county. “It’s amazing that we can say that Rowan County contains all these amenities, spread out all over the county, so there is availability to see all of Rowan — not just one part. This grandeur of societal offerings sets Rowan County apart from other areas, making us truly ‘original,’” he says, and is yet another way of emphasizing Rowan County’s Be an original™ messaging.

The arts are a connector, bringing the community together and transcending barriers, he says. “The arts are for everyone, regardless of where they come from in life,” he says.

This is especially true for children, and the Salisbury Symphony has a major goal of exposing Rowan County students to its music. “Children having access to the arts at an early age is extremely valuable … for problem-solving, math, reading and self-expression,” he says.

Hunter earned a degree in music education at Catawba College and began working with the Symphony nine years ago as a college intern. He was Assistant to the Executive Director and then Associate Director before being named to his current position. He earned his Master’s in Business Administration from Appalachian State University in December.

His favorite event in the county involves the extensive collaboration of the Symphony and the Piedmont School of Music and Dance of Kannapolis in their annual production 

of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, which is a highlight of the holiday season in Salisbury.

In rare time away from his musical world, Hunter can be found at Dan Nicholas Park, a favorite outdoor place for its variety, especially the Rowan Wildlife Adventures which he calls “better than a zoo.”

He favors Chef Santos’ Goodfellas restaurant because of its intimate dining. “Everything on the menu is great,” he says.