Joseph Young Named New Assistant Conductor of ASO and Music Director of Youth Symphony

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) announced today that Joseph Young has been named the new ASO Assistant Conductor and Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO) Music Director. Mr. Young, most recently the Resident Conductor of the Phoenix Symphony, will begin his new post on June 1, 2014. His initial contract is for one year, with the opportunity for an extension.

In this position, Mr. Young will assist with the artistic leadership of the Orchestra, and will serve as the primary conductor for the ASO's education and community concerts. He will also assume the role of Music Director of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra in the 2014-15 season.

Mr. Young succeeds Jere Flint as ASYO Music Director. Mr. Flint will retire at the end of the 2013-14 season following 35 years as ASYO Music Director, 39 years as a staff conductor, and 47 years as an ASO cellist.

"I am so excited and honored to be joining the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's artistic team alongside Robert Spano and Donald Runnicles," said Assistant Conductor and ASYO Music Director Designate Joseph Young. "This Orchestra is known for its innovation and world-class musicians. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with both professional and student musicians and to engage with the Atlanta community as a whole."

"Joseph is a very talented conductor and an extremely nice young man who will fit beautifully into the educational programs and ASYO," said current ASYO Music Director and Staff Conductor Jere Flint. "I leave these very important aspects of the symphonic world in very capable hands."

"It brings me great joy to welcome Joseph to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra," said Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Music Director Robert Spano. "I am so grateful for all Jere Flint has done for the ASO, and especially for the Youth Orchestra over these last 35 years. I know Joseph will be a strong and influential member of our artistic team who will continue to inspire our students to new heights."

"I am always moved by the dedication of our musicians and artistic staff. It saddens us to bid farewell to Jere Flint: as a musician, conductor, mentor, and friend," said Atlanta Symphony Orchestra President and CEO Stanley E. Romanstein, Ph.D. "As we move forward, I am confident Joseph will be a wonderful addition to the artistic team and our education and community engagement team. The students will continue to flourish under his leadership, and we are excited to introduce him to our community."

In his role as Assistant Conductor, Mr. Young will work with Music Director Robert Spano, Principal Guest Conductor Donald Runnicles, and other guest conductors in concerts and recording sessions.

As the new Music Director of the ASYO, Mr. Young will oversee the repertoire selection, auditions, rehearsals, competitions, and the selection and seating of the student players, while working in tandem with the ASO's education and community engagement department.

Previous ASO Assistant Conductors include League of American Orchestras Conducting Fellows Mei-Ann Chen (2007-09) and Laura Jackson (2004-07), as well as Assistant Conductor Alexander Mickelthwate (2001-04). Ms. Chen is currently the Music Director of the Memphis Symphony and the Chicago Sinfonietta; Ms. Jackson is Music Director of the Reno Philharmonic; and Mr. Mickelthwate is Music Director of the Winnipeg Symphony.

Additional details about Joseph Young are available at aso.org/young.

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