Jacob Joyce is set to conduct a Casual concert that will highlight the talents of the Syracuse Orchestra members. This performance is part of his candidacy for the position of music director, a role for which he is one of six finalists. Each finalist will conduct two concerts, allowing the community to engage with them through various events listed on the orchestra’s website. The new music director will be announced at the end of the 2025-26 season.
Joyce’s journey into orchestral music began at a young age. As a child of around seven, he was captivated by Johannes Brahms‘ Second Symphony, a moment that he credits as pivotal in his passion for classical music. “I remember being fully enamored. I really fell in love with the sound,” Joyce stated from Washington, D.C., where he is currently involved with the National Symphony.
His educational background is impressive. Joyce studied violin throughout his youth, eventually earning a degree in violin performance and economics from Yale College. He later pursued a master’s degree in violin performance at the same institution. However, it was during this time that he discovered his passion for conducting, leading him to study under Hugh Wolff at the New England Conservatory. He further developed his conducting skills at prestigious programs such as the Tanglewood Music Center and the American Academy of Conducting at Aspen, where he received the Robert Spano Conducting Prize.
Currently, Joyce holds the position of associate conductor for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and serves as the music director for the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra. He is also a sought-after guest conductor, having worked with major orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra. Known for his commitment to promoting new music, he strives to introduce first-time audiences to the orchestral experience.
“I value my role as a mentor who can cultivate a love of classical music in young musicians,” Joyce emphasized. He recognizes that not every participant will pursue a professional path but feels it is vital to foster an appreciation for the art form. His initiative, Saturday Sessions in Pittsburgh, aims to engage newcomers by providing background information about the composers and music featured in performances.
Joyce is looking forward to the upcoming Casual concert in Syracuse, which will mirror his Saturday Sessions format. “I’m excited about the program. As a former violinist, I’m really interested in Baroque music and in making the connections between it and contemporary pieces that evoke the Baroque style,” he said.
The concert will take place at St. Paul’s Syracuse on January 31 and February 1. This 75-minute performance will feature soloists from the orchestra, beginning with Archangelo Corelli’s Concerto Grosso in D major. Following this will be Alfred Schnittke’s humorous “Moz-Art à la Haydn”, which incorporates themes from both Mozart and Haydn. The program will also include Johann Sebastian Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G major and will conclude with Igor Stravinsky’s Concerto in E-flat, also known as “Dumbarton Oaks,” which draws inspiration from Bach’s works.
“My philosophy of performing is to foster a sense of welcome and curiosity and to provide a pleasant intellectual experience,” Joyce stated regarding his approach to conducting. He aims to create an inviting atmosphere that encourages audience engagement with the music.
Outside of music, Joyce enjoys spending time with family and friends, emphasizing the importance of balance in his life. He is an avid runner, often accompanied by his miniature Australian shepherd, Wally. Additionally, he is a coffee enthusiast who starts each day with freshly brewed coffee.
Joyce is also scheduled to return to Central New York on March 7, 2025, to conduct a Masterworks series concert featuring the music of Mozart.
Concert Details:
What: Casual, “The Orchestra Spotlight”
Where: St. Paul’s Syracuse, 220 E. Fayette St.
When: January 31 at 19:00 and February 1 at 15:00
Run Time: 75 minutes, no intermission
Tickets: $50 prime seating; $40 section B; discounted for senior citizens; students with I.D. $5; children under 18 free
Purchase: 315-299-5598 or syracuseorchestra.org
Parking: Free on street.
