Canton Symphony Orchestra Names 5 Conductor Finalists

Each finalist will conduct a live MasterWorks concert during the 2026-2027 season.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:27pm

An abstract composition of jagged black silhouettes and bold red and white shapes, conveying the dramatic energy of a symphony orchestra performance.The Canton Symphony Orchestra's search for a new conductor promises an energetic season of live auditions and artistic renewal.Canton Today

The Canton Symphony Orchestra has narrowed its search for a new music director and conductor to five finalists. Each candidate will have a live audition conducting a MasterWorks concert during the 2026-2027 season as the orchestra looks to find a new leader who will uphold its mission both on stage and in the community.

Why it matters

The selection of a new music director and conductor is a critical decision for the Canton Symphony Orchestra, as this individual will shape the artistic vision and community engagement of the organization for years to come.

The details

The five finalists were announced on March 31 by the orchestra's Music Director Search Committee. Each finalist will have the opportunity to lead the orchestra in a live MasterWorks concert audition during the upcoming 2026-2027 season as the organization seeks to find the right conductor to succeed the previous music director.

  • The finalists were announced on March 31, 2026.
  • The live audition concerts will take place during the 2026-2027 season.

The players

Canton Symphony Orchestra

A professional symphony orchestra based in Canton, Ohio that presents classical and pops concerts throughout the year.

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What’s next

The five finalists will each conduct a MasterWorks concert during the 2026-2027 season, after which the Canton Symphony Orchestra will select its new music director and conductor.

The takeaway

The Canton Symphony Orchestra's search for a new music director and conductor highlights the importance of finding the right artistic leader to guide an orchestra's vision and community engagement. The live audition process will allow the organization to thoroughly evaluate each finalist before making this critical decision.