Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the Music Director of The Philadelphia Orchestra, has recently appointed new Assistant Conductors for the upcoming two seasons. In the 2023/24 season, Austin Chanu and Tristan Rais-Sherman, who served as Conducting Fellows in the 2022/23 season, have been chosen as the orchestra's new Assistant Conductors. Furthermore, Naomi Woo has been designated as the Assistant Conductor for the 2024/25 season.
These three talented conductors will closely collaborate with Nézet-Séguin, observing his score preparation and rehearsal techniques, and stepping in as substitute conductors when necessary. They will be actively involved in residency programs, concert tours, educational initiatives, and will conduct the orchestra during its community outreach programs.
Originally from San Francisco, Austin Chanu pursued conducting studies under Neil Varon at the Eastman School of Music. He received the Career Assistance Award from the Solti Foundation and debuted with the Philadelphia Orchestra in April 2023, conducting Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring.
Tristan Sherman, a two-time recipient of the Solti Foundation's Career Assistance Award, recently participated in the Gustav Mahler Conducting Competition. In 2023, he will make his debut with the Baltimore Symphony while continuing his engagements with the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Canadian conductor Naomi Woo recently completed a four-year term as an assistant at the Winnipeg Symphony and will serve as the artistic partner at the Orchestre Métropolitain Montréal in the 2023/24 season. She holds degrees from Yale University and the University of Montreal and has conducted performances with prestigious orchestras like the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Toronto Symphony.
Yannick Nézet-Séguin expressed his delight in mentoring young conductors, noting the impressive growth of Austin and Tristan during the past year. He expressed excitement about their well-deserved promotions and anticipates their achievements in the upcoming season. Additionally, he warmly welcomed Naomi Woo into the Philadelphia Orchestra family, having worked closely with her at the Orchestre Métropolitain, and believes she will bring valuable insights and talent to the 2024–25 season.
