YSSO Conductors

Cynthia Hutton
Youth Orchestra, Youth Symphony

Cynthia Hutton began her career as Music Director and Conductor of the YSSO Symphony and Orchestra in 1994.  Ms. Hutton is Assistant Professor of Music at Southern Oregon University and is a member of the Rogue Valley Symphony Orchestra. She previously served as Director of Bands at the University of California at San Diego, and she has served as the Assistant Conductor and Horn Instructor of the La Jolla Civic University Orchestra. She received her doctoral degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

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Faina Podolnaya
Youth Strings

Faina Podolnaya will conduct the Youth Strings. Faina Podolnaya is in her sixth year with the YSSO as Associate Conductor. Upon completion of her studies in violin performance and teaching at the Soviet Conservatory of Music she accepted a teaching position at Kazakhstan’s most prestigious music academy where she worked privately with students, lectured and coached ensembles preparing for competitions and concerts. Ms. Podolnaya has been the recipient of numerous awards, including her selection as the Soviet Union’s Teacher of the Year. Since coming to the United States seven years ago, she has performed with the Rogue Valley Symphony and has taught at Southern Oregon University. She also maintains a thriving private studio for violin and viola. Most recently, she led the Siskiyou Violins in an acclaimed performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City.