Orlando, FL— The Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras Board of Directors announces that it has begun the search for a new Music Director following current Music Director, Hanrich Claassen’s departure from the position at the conclusion of this 64th season. Claassen, who has served FSYO as Music Director since 2016, was an integral part of the advancement of FSYO’s programs. Under his direction, Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras expanded the breadth of its musical repertoire and tested the skills of its ever-expanding student base. About his departure, Mr. Claassen says:
"It has been an honor and immense pleasure to serve and lead the FSYO as Music Director for the last 5 years. It has been my goal to continue the work all my esteemed colleagues and past music directors have done to establish us as one of the prominent youth orchestras in this country. I have worked tirelessly to nurture and promote the excellence of our students from Central Florida, as well as show the world our passion for music-making. I’m happy to have done so as far as Europe and China, as well as here at home with tours up the East Coast to Carnegie Hall in NYC and southward to Miami. My sincere thanks go out to the artistic staff Matt Davis, Sarah Morrison, Jeannine Mongeon, as well as past directors, Raine Allen and Mauricio Cespedes that helped me each step of the way. Thanks also to Jeff Rupert and Kenny Boyd that established two fantastic Jazz Orchestras as part of our student ensemble offerings.”
Other notable accomplishments of FSYO, under the musical direction of Maestro Claassen, include: a European tour in 2017, including a second-place finish in the International Summa Cum Laude competition; a tour to China in 2019; performing as the pit orchestra for Orlando Ballet’s 2019 production of the Nutcracker; and countless other collaborations.
“FSYO expanded our vision to so many areas beyond the standard orchestra repertoire realm, which has led to wonderful community engagements and collaborations with UCF Opera, The Holocaust Center, CFL Vocal Arts, Opera Orlando Youth Company, CFL Composers Forum, Timucua Arts Foundation and Orlando Ballet and School, to name a few. Thank you to the current and past members of the Board of Directors, each coordinator, administrative and operations staff member that I've had the pleasure to work with over the years. To Heide Evans and Carl Rendek and our current ED, Briana Scales for always advising, supporting, figuring-out, and helping to make my artistic dreams come true - thank you. I have brought with me an outlook of global mindedness, and with that in mind, the time has come for Kent, Mathilda, and I to move back to Europe this coming Spring, this time to Amsterdam in the Netherlands. I hope to continue serving in an administrative role from afar until a Music Director Search can be completed. I know that I will always be a part of the FSYO family - this is not farewell..." - Hanrich Claassen
The board and staff of FSYO are deeply grateful to Maestro Claassen for his significant contributions and service throughout his career with the organization. We believe his passion for music and relentless focus on student engagement have established FSYO as a leader in the Central Florida arts community. Executive Director, Briana Scales states:
“Hanrich has been a joy to work within my time with the organization. He brings such passion to all of his work and it translates to the students and their performances. He helped bring new life to an organization that needed a fresh take and set us on a path to do incredible things in the future. He will be sorely missed but I’m sure we will work together again in the future.”
The board will remain actively engaged with the administration of the organization during this transition and has already taken steps in the new Music Director search. FSYO’s daily operations, including its rehearsals and concert commitments, will continue as scheduled without interruption.
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