The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera announces Ismael Sandoval as the CSO Youth Orchestra/CSO assistant conductor beginning June 1. This combined conductor role will allow Mr. Sandoval to conduct the CSOYO Symphony Orchestra, the organization’s top youth orchestra, as well as assist Music Director Kayoko Dan with cover conducting of Masterworks concerts. Mr. Sandoval will also conduct other concerts throughout each season. Mr. Sandoval will be replacing Gary Wilkes as CSOYO Symphony conductor due to Mr. Wilkes’ retirement from the position after 28 years.
Mr. Sandoval served as assistant/cover conductor for the Boston Philharmonic & Youth Philharmonic Orchestras, music director for the Promenade Opera Project, assistant/cover conductor for The Eureka Ensemble and artistic director and conductor of The Women’s Chorus. Mr. Sandoval graduated with bachelor of music degrees in music education and music composition from the University of Florida, and holds a masters of music in orchestral conducting from The Boston Conservatory.
“After Gary’s long-term tenure with the CSOYO, we are happy to announce our next leader who will continue the tradition of excellence with the youth orchestras,” said Kayoko Dan, CSO music director. “Ismael is an excellent and energetic educator and musician and we’re thrilled to have him join our conducting staff.”
“I’m beyond thrilled to be working with everyone at the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera, especially the students of the CSOYO, who are an amazing part of the city’s arts and educational communities,” said Mr. Sandoval. “In addition to doing what I can to enable both orchestras to succeed and grow, a major priority for me during my time here will be to cultivate a stronger community in Chattanooga by engaging all of us through collaborative and community driven endeavors.”