Wichita Symphony executive director Berman dies

The Wichita Symphony says its longtime executive director, Mitch Berman, has died after a short illness.

Symphony officials say Berman died Monday, two months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

The 58-year-old Berman had been executive director for 31 years.

The Wichita Eagle reports (http://bit.ly/nNXzBV) that the symphony's budget quadrupled under Berman's management and did not face the financial strains of many symphonies in other cities during the recent recession.

Berman is survived by his mother from California, who was with him when he died, and two brothers.

Funeral arrangements are pending.