Hartford Symphony Orchestra Announces Four Finalists in Search for Next Music Director

 

(Hartford, CT) – [February 18, 2026] – The Hartford Symphony Orchestra (HSO) introduces the four finalists in its search for the Orchestra’s next Music Director. The selected candidates will each guest conduct during the 2026–27 season as part of the final phase of a multi-year, international search process.

This announcement follows the previously shared news that Carolyn Kuan will conclude her tenure as HSO Music Director in June of 2027. Kuan, who began her leadership in Hartford in 2011 as the Orchestra’s tenth Music Director, has led the HSO through a period of artistic growth, expanded repertoire, and deepened community engagement. She will continue to lead the Orchestra through the 2026–27 season while supporting a smooth and thoughtful transition.

“The Hartford Symphony Orchestra has benefited tremendously from Carolyn’s artistry and leadership,” said Bob Bausmith, Chair of the Board of Directors. “As we look to the future, we are excited to introduce four exceptional music director candidates who will each bring their unique musical voices to Hartford next season.”

The four finalists are Yaniv Dinur, Johnathan Taylor Rush, Alastair Willis, and John Morris Russell.

Yaniv Dinur

Guest Conducting: October 23–25, 2026

Currently Music Director of the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra and the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, Dinur is recognized for his insightful interpretations and engaging programming. A former Resident Conductor of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, he is the founder and artistic director of the Winterlude Chamber Music Series at the Villa Terrace Museum as well as the Milwaukee Chamber Music Festival. He has conducted widely in the United States and abroad and is known for connecting meaningfully with audiences of all backgrounds.

 

 

Jonathan Taylor Rush

Guest Conducting: November 20–22, 2026

Hailed by the Baltimore Sun as “a continually rising talent in the conducting world,” Rush has appeared with major orchestras including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, and San Francisco Symphony. Formerly Associate Conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, he also served as Artistic Director of the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra. Having grown up in the Hartford region, he is recognized for dynamic performances, commitment to living composers, and innovative community-centered programming.

 

 

 

Alastair Willis

Guest Conducting: December 11–13, 2026

A Grammy-nominated conductor, Willis currently serves as Music Director of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra and The Symphonia Boca Raton. He has guest conducted internationally, including appearances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, and Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin. His recording with Nashville Symphony and Opera for Naxos was Grammy nominated for Best Classical Album in 2009. His work spans both symphonic masterworks and cross-genre collaborations.

 

 

John Morris Russell

Guest Conducting: February 12–14, 2027

Music Director of the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra and Music Director of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, Russell is known for championing American musical voices and broad audience engagement. A Grammy-nominated artist, he has collaborated with leading orchestras across the country, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, the Boston Pops and the National Symphony of Washington, D.C. He helped develop and conducted the LinkUP! Educational concert series at Carnegie Hall between 1997-2009 and is widely recognized for innovative programming that bridges classical and popular traditions.

 

Each finalist will spend a residency week in Hartford that includes rehearsals, performances, and opportunities to engage with musicians, staff, board members, and members of the broader community. Following each residency, feedback will be gathered from all stakeholders as part of the final evaluation process.

“The search committee has undertaken a comprehensive and collaborative review process,” said Search Committee and Board Vice President Diane Whitney. “We are eager for Connecticut audiences to experience these four outstanding artists and to take part in this important moment for the Orchestra.”

The Hartford Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1934, is Connecticut’s premier musical organization and presents more than 100 concerts annually, reaching approximately 95,000 audience members each year through performances and community programs statewide.