The Spartanburg Philharmonic Announces John Young Shik Concklin as 10th Music Director in Organization's 95th Year

The long awaited moment has arrived! After a search spanning two years, nine candidates and many, many concerts, the Spartanburg Philharmonic, in its 95th Year, is thrilled to announce John Young Shik Concklin as their next Music Director. “From the very beginning, the search committee committed to finding the perfect fit for our organization and for our musicians - we believe John Young Shik Concklin is that person,” says Karen Parrott, Board President of the Philharmonic and Chair of the Search Committee. “John gets us - Spartanburg, our community, our musicians - and we are thrilled that he is our 10th Music Director.” John will join the Philharmonic on a three year initial contract, yet he is already hard at work with the staff to finalize programming for the upcoming season which is set to launch Saturday, Sept. 16th with an original piece from resident composer Peter B. Kay and Antonin Dvo?ák’s triumphant masterpiece, Symphony no. 9: “From the New World.”

Concklin, a native of Atlanta, has been praised by musicians and audiences alike for his acute attention to detail, strong sense of rhythm, inviting gravitas and unique innovation. Concurrently John serves as Music Director for  Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra and Conductor with the Atlanta Music Project and Piedmont Chamber Orchestra. He is also no stranger to Spartanburg or the Philharmonic as he started out as a violist for the long standing orchestra. John then made his conducting debut in 2018 when he led the Philharmonic’s two John Williams concerts to huge acclaim. 

The nationwide search began in August of 2021 as an extensive and experienced search committee began reviewing applications. The committee consisted of board members, musicians, Philharmonic staff and the expert advice from Henry Fogel, a leading arts executive and consultant for orchestras around the country. Out of approximately 160 applicants, the committee narrowed it down to just nine finalists, each bringing their own style and techniques to the table. Between 2021 and 2023, all nine candidates helped program and conduct a concert for the Philharmonic’s Zimmerli Concert Series held at Twichell Auditorium on the campus of Converse University. 

John was the guest conductor for his initial Music Director Finalist concert, Epic, in the spring of 2022. The concert consisted of a suite by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and Gustav Mahler’s first symphony nicknamed “Titan.” This was Concklin’s first concert to really show off his conducting gravitas as well as build a relationship with the musicians he previously played with, only this time from the conductor’s platform. John also became a last minute hero for the first concert of the 2022-23 season, Scheherezade & Other Tales, when the guest conductor and fellow Music Director Finalist was unable to make the September performance due to unforeseen circumstances. 

Kathryn Boucher, Executive Director of the Philharmonic, declares, “With John Concklin, the Philharmonic is poised for what I believe will be one of the most exciting chapters in its storied history.  His connection to the musicians and the audience is unparalleled and we could not be more thrilled to welcome him home to Spartanburg.” 

John has certainly won the hearts of many, and he is excited to push the program to new heights. In a welcoming message to the City of Spartanburg he writes:

“I am deeply honored to be selected as the tenth music director of the Spartanburg Philharmonic. My musical and personal life are deeply intertwined with this community, and I always dreamt of what it would be like to lead this storied ensemble. After years of anticipation, here we are! The chapter ahead will be filled with meaningful collaboration and music making. I cannot wait to carry Spartanburg’s rich musical legacy forward; alongside you, the passionate Spartanburg community, the talented musicians and devoted patrons who have kept it vibrant for so long.”

READ JOHN'S FULL BIO

Save the Date!

Come see John conduct LIVE for the first time as Music Director of your Spartanburg Philharmonic for our 95th Season Premiere!

- Dvorak's Symphony no. 9 along with a new work from resident composer Peter B. Kay

- Twichell Auditorium, Converse University

- Sept. 16th, 7PM with a celebratory toast to John after concert

Individual tickets go on sale July 1st! Tickets may be purchased at the Converse Box Office

Box Office Phone: 864-596-9724
Box Office Hours: Monday - Friday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Box Office Website: conversecollege.universitytickets.com