The Elgin Symphony Orchestra in Illinois has named MATTHEW SHEPPARD as education conductor. Sheppard is currently artistic director of the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra, a role he will retain. At the Elgin Symphony, Sheppard will lead education efforts, manage the Ainsworth Concerts for Youth, and work with the ESO education committee to develop materials for educators. He will also coordinate music-education engagement efforts and some repertoire selections by the ESO and EYSO. Sheppard serves as music director of the University of Chicago Chamber Orchestra, the Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company of Chicago, and the Hyde Park Youth Symphony. He has conducted orchestras in North and South America, including the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional del Paraguay, Champaign Urbana Symphony Orchestra, and Lake Geneva Symphony. He leads master classes on playing and conducting in Chicago and abroad. Sheppard attended Penn State University and earned bachelor’s degrees in liberal arts, music education, and music performance as well as a master’s degree in orchestral conducting.
Change font size
