Meet Our Music Director Finalists

It is with great enthusiasm that we now introduce our four finalist candidates, whose vision, musicianship, and alignment with the HSO’s values stood out at every stage of the process. We look forward to sharing more about each of them here, and to welcoming them in the coming season as we continue this exciting journey together.

The Hartford Symphony Orchestra’s Music Director Search has been an ambitious, deeply thoughtful, and genuinely energizing process—one that reflects the care this organization brings to every major artistic decision.

The Search Committee reviewed an exceptionally strong and diverse pool of nearly 200 applicants from around the world, representing a wide range of artistic perspectives, professional experiences, and musical voices. Through a rigorous, multi-round process that included detailed application reviews, programming exercises, video evaluations, multiple interviews, and extensive discussion among musicians, staff, board members, and community advisors, the field was carefully and deliberately narrowed. Each step brought sharper clarity about the artistic leadership our orchestra needs now and into the future.

A special HSO series of CT Arts Talk—a biweekly podcast celebrating Connecticut’s vibrant arts community—will feature conversations about the our Music Director search, including interviews with each finalist in advance of their residency week, offering audiences a chance to get acquainted before each conductor appears on the HSO podium.

Episode 1: Introducing the Search
Join William Boughton and Tom Duffy as they welcome HSO President & CEO Steve Collins for an inside look at the search for the Hartford Symphony Orchestra’s next Music Director—and a preview of the exciting residency season ahead.