ROCHESTER, NY – Chicago Symphony Orchestra Resident Conductor William Eddins, who has rapidly established himself as one of America’s most promising young conductors, returns to his alma mater, the Eastman School of Music, to guest conduct the Eastman Philharmonia at 8 p.m., Friday, March 2, in the Eastman Theatre (60 Gibbs St.). Admission is free.
Eddins will lead Eastman’s premier student orchestra in a program of Mahler’s Lieder eines Fahrenden Gesellen, Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3. During intermission, he will receive the School’s Alumni Achievement Award, recognizing his accomplishments and success since graduation. Eddins also will share career advice and insights with students through Eastman’s Arts Leadership Program during his visit.
A native of Buffalo, Eddins, 36, received his bachelor’s degree from Eastman in 1983 at the age of 18 – making him one of the School’s youngest graduates ever – and received his master’s degree three years later. After dozens of guest conducting engagements with many of the country’s most prominent orchestras, he earned positions as assistant conductor to Daniel Barenboim at the Berlin State Opera and assistant conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra before becoming its first resident conductor in 1999. Last March, Eddins received the prestigious Seaver/National Endowment for the Arts Conducting Award, a $50,000 career-development grant awarded to exceptionally gifted young American conductors.
"We’re delighted to welcome Bill Eddins back to Eastman to lead the Philharmonia," said James Undercofler, director of the Eastman School. "He’s not only a wonderful conductor and an accomplished musician, he’s a remarkable person who will inspire the students with whom he works."
In demand as a guest conductor, Eddins’ recent engagements include the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and the Buffalo Philharmonic. In addition to his post with the CSO, he also is founder and artistic director of the Prospect Park Players, a chamber music series based in St. Paul, MN.
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Note to editors: William Eddins is available for interviews. Color photos are available.