Mark Hatlestad has been named the new conductor of the Owensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra (OSYO). The Symphony also announced OSYO auditions will be held next week.
Hatlestad currently serves as the principal violist for the Symphony. He said he was approached a couple of weeks ago to fill the position, and he’s excited to get started and make an impact in the students’ lives.
“My youth orchestra experience growing up in Minnesota with the Minnesota Youth Symphonies was a formative experience for me,” he said. “I want to do my part to ensure that students in the Owensboro area have access to a great youth orchestra experience. My first goal is to get to know the students, and find ways to encourage them to grow as musicians and as self-motivated individuals as we prepare for our first concert.”
Symphony CEO Gwyn Payne said the appointment is a testament to Hatlestad’s musical skills and experience, as well as his passion for nurturing young talent.
“Under his guidance, the Youth Orchestra program is sure to continue providing an outstanding opportunity for aspiring musicians to develop their skills and love for orchestral music,” she said. “We look forward to seeing the program flourish under Mark’s leadership and wish him all the best in this new role.”
Hatlestad is a violist and music educator based in the Evansville area. He has appeared in festivals across the globe, including the Sommerakadamie Leutkirch in Germany, the Keshet Eilon Summer Master Course in Israel, and the Chautauqua Summer Music Festival in New York.
Hatlestad is the principal viola in both the Evansville Philharmonic and Owensboro Symphony, and he is artist-in-residence at the University of Evansville’s Eykamp String Quartet.
Hatlestad is entering his 10th season with the Symphony. He started playing with the viola section as a student at Indiana University in 2014 and was appointed principal in 2018.
“It is a wonderful group of musicians to play with, and I’m thankful that Owensboro has always been such a supportive and appreciative audience,” he said.
The Owensboro Symphony, through its sponsorship of the Owensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra program, provides specialized training to more than 100 young musicians each year. Many students exiting OSYO have been offered college music scholarships and continue performing beyond high school graduation.
“We are open to any middle school and high school students who are passionate about music and want to challenge themselves,” Hatlestad said. “It’s also a great opportunity to make friends and find people who are passionate about making music together.”
OSYO auditions will be held at the Owensboro Symphony (211 East Second Street) on August 27 from 2-4:30 p.m. and on August 28 from 6-8:30 p.m. Audition times are reserved in 10-minute slots.
Email Hatlestad at [email protected] to arrange an audition or to ask any questions.
It’s an opportunity for me to hear where our students are at, and help me choose repertoire for the season,” Hatlestad said. “I’m looking forward to meeting the students soon.”
