CSO Appoints Assistant Conductor
Charleston Symphony appoints Ryo Hasegawa as Assistant Conductor
For Immediate Release
June 24, 2025
The Charleston Symphony (CSO) is proud to announce the appointment of Ryo Hasegawa to Assistant Conductor, recognizing his outstanding leadership as Conductor of the Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestra (CSYO). This promotion signals an exciting new chapter for both Hasegawa and the CSO, building on the momentum of his impact and continued growth of the Symphony’s artistic and community-focused programs.
We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Ryo into this expanded role. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how his energy, creativity, and unwavering commitment to artistic excellence have elevated our performances and strengthened our connection with the community.
Since his American conducting debut in 2019 with the Charleston Symphony, Hasegawa has inspired a new generation of musicians and brought national attention to Charleston’s vibrant educational programs. Under his leadership, the youth orchestra has flourished and, in a landmark achievement, made its historic debut at Carnegie Hall in February 2025.
I'm thrilled to have Ryo join our artistic team and look forward to collaborating with him more closely. He is an exceptionally gifted conductor with a bright future and is a tremendous asset to our orchestra.
Hasegawa has garnered international recognition under the mentorship of Marin Alsop, performing in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. He currently serves as Music Director of the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra in Indiana, and is the Chair and Founder of Mudita Corporation, an organization focused on promoting interdisciplinary and socially impactful art.
Hasegawa has served as a guest assistant conductor with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Omaha Symphony, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, and São Paulo Symphony Orchestra among others. He has studied under renowned conductors such as Marin Alsop, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Jonathon Heyward, Kirill Karabits, Mei-Ann Chen, Markand Thakar, and more.
Born and raised in Kanagawa, Japan, Hasegawa returned to music after an early career as a semi-professional motorcycle racer. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting from the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Rollins College, where he received the 2022 Alumni Achievement Award. His additional training includes esteemed masterclasses with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, Domaine Forget de Charlevoix, and the Peabody Conducting Studio. For Ryo Hasegawa’s complete bio, please visit www.hasegawaryo.com.
It’s a true honor to step into this new role with the Symphony. The orchestra and community are incredibly special to me, and I’m thrilled to continue contributing to the vibrant cultural life of the greater Charleston area in new and meaningful ways.
Ryo's Impact
In addition to his work with the youth orchestra, Maestro Hasegawa:
- Curated and conducted the CSO’s inaugural Family Concert, earning acclaim for his ability to engage and connect with audiences of all ages.
- Has led popular community outreach performances such as the Young People’s Concerts, Sunset Serenade at Piccolo Spoleto, and Seabrook Pops.
- Will continue to direct the CSYO while assisting with all Masterworks and Pops rehearsals and concerts.
- Will take the podium to conduct Holy City Messiah, Family Concerts, Seabrook Pops, and the 2026 Sunset Serenade concert.
Hasegawa makes his conducting debut at Carnegie Hall leading the Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestra. February 26, 2025.
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