Conductor Joseph Young to Depart from Berkeley Symphony

Young, who transformed the orchestra's audience engagement and attendance, will conclude his time there at the end of the 2024/25 season

The Berkeley Symphony has announced that its Music Director, American conductor Joseph Young, will step down at the conclusion of the 2024/25 season. Young has presided over a period of growth over his six-year tenure, transforming its programming and presence in the community.

During his tenure Young focused on contemporary and American programming. Almost half of the music performed during Young's tenure was written by Americans — and he commissioned five new works by composers including Jimmy López Bellido and Derrick Skye. The orchestra also gave eight World or West Coast premieres from composers such as Kris Bowers, Joel Puckett, and Xi Wang.

He has also increased community engagement, hosting events such as the orchestra's 50th-anniversary celebration — which saw members of the community conducting and playing side by side with the orchestra in Berkeley's downtown plaza. Audience numbers have increased by 40% as a result.

A three-time recipient of the Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Award, Joseph Young was the inaugural recipient of the BSO–Peabody Conducting Fellowship, which was created specifically for him by Marin Alsop.

He has previously served as Assistant Conductor of the Atlanta Symphony under Robert Spano and Music Director of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra. Young is also Artistic Director of Ensembles at the Peabody Conservatory. From 2017 to 2023, he conducted at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute, and at its National Youth Orchestra program.

"The Berkeley Symphony is a respected, adventurous orchestra, and I am proud of all that we have accomplished together," Young said. "From our very first performances, the musicians and audiences enthusiastically embraced programs that centered our local community, elevated contemporary American voices, and celebrated the canon in new and dynamic ways."

"Together, we have grown artistically, as an institution, and as a community. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead the Berkeley Symphony and hopeful for all that lies ahead."

"Joseph's visionary leadership has been instrumental in advancing Berkeley Symphony's mission during a pivotal period," said Board President Rigel Shimono-Robinson. "His artistic excellence and innovative spirit have not only preserved our legacy but expanded our reach, engaging new audiences and deepening our community connections. We are immensely grateful for his contributions and look forward to celebrating with him throughout the remainder of the 2024-25 season."