We are sad to report the passing of Leonard Atherton, the former conductor of the Muncie Symphony Orchestra (MSO) and Professor of Music at Ball State. He passed peacefully away on Thursday, April 1^st.

Mr. Atherton was born in the U.K., in Harrow On The Hill, in greater London. He was a graduate of Oxford University.

Along with conducting the MSO, Mr. Atherton was the director of the Ball State University Symphony Orchestra. He was an advisor to the East Central Indiana Youth Symphony Orchestra, the choir director of Grace Episcopal Church Choir in Muncie for 10 years; and the director of Youth Choir Program in Tanglewood, Massachusetts from 1979-1986. He also guest conducted orchestras and choruses, internationally. Mr. Atherton was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash in 2003.

Arrangements are pending at Meeks Mortuary of Muncie.