We begin this 60th Anniversary Year on a bittersweet note, as Maestra Askren will be taking a medical leave until the end of the Spring term.
In her absence, we are extraordinarily fortunate to have an incredible roster of guest conductors, including the return of both John Mauceri - conductor of the YSO from 1968-1974 - and our most recent director, William Boughton, to the podium. Yale Philharmonia Music Director Peter Oundjian, Yale Glee Club Director Jeffrey Douma, and YSM Conducting Fellow, Ezra Calvino will all be supporting guest conductors throughout the remainder of the season.
We are deeply grateful for the energy, time and joy that Maestra Askren has brought to the past four months. Special thanks to all of the guest conductors and to Yale College Deans’ Office and the School of Music for their profound support of the orchestra. We look forward to Maestra Askren’s return next season, as we’ve already had a sample of the amazing musicianship and heart she brings to the YSO.