INTRODUCING
Jonathon Heyward
Forging a career as one of the most exciting conductors on the international scene
PAST :
From a cello bow to a baton .
Raised in Charleston , South Carolina , Jonathon began his musical training as a cellist at the age of ten and started conducting while still at school . In a serendipitous intervention , Jonathon was selected by a substitute teacher to take the podium and lead the school orchestra during a rehearsal . It was evident that the young musician had a bright future as a conductor .
He studied at the Boston Conservatory of Music , where he became assistant conductor of the prestigious institution ’ s opera department and of the Boston Opera Collaborative . Before leaving the Academy , he was appointed assistant conductor of the Hallé Orchestra , where he was mentored by Sir Mark Elder , and became Music Director of the Hallé Youth Orchestra .
Jonathon ’ s commitment to education and community engagement work deepened during his time with the Hallé and has flourished since his appointment as Chief Conductor of the Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie in January 2021 . In March 2022 , Jonathon made his debut with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra which included �������������������������������������������������� Symphony No . 15 .
PRESENT :
Leading with a fresh perspective .
����������������������������������������������������� Symphony Orchestra , Jonathon serves as Music Director , the holder of the Harvey M . and Lyn P . Meyerhoff Chair . His selection was unanimous by the Baltimore Symphony Music Director Search Committee , comprised of BSO musicians , board members , staff , and community representatives .
Coined as “ One to Watch ” as a part of the Bloomberg 50 ���������������������������������������������������������� connecting various art forms to audiences new and old . Armed with a deep appreciation of the classical genre , he is already off to a rousing start by curating and creating new series that usher in greater accessibility to classical music across the state of Maryland .
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