Mitsuko Flynn is the Director of Education and Business Operations for the Charleston Symphony Orchestra (CSO). She joined the CSO team in 2015 and brings a wealth of experience, having previously worked with the Paterson Music Project, an El Sistema-inspired music program in Paterson, NJ, focused on providing music education to children from underserved communities. A cellist, Mitsuko also served as a dedicated faculty member at the John J. Cali School of Music Preparatory Division at Montclair State University, where she not only taught cello but also oversaw the chamber music program.

During her tenure with the CSO, Mitsuko spearheaded the integration of the Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestra as a core educational program of the CSO. Since then, the program has grown over double in size and maintains the highest level of educational and artistic standards.

One of Mitsuko’s favorite CSO experiences was a full-circle moment when the Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestra performed alongside the Charleston Symphony on the Masterworks stage, under the baton of CSYO alumni and world-renowned conductor, Jonathon Heyward.

Driven by a profound commitment to education, community engagement, and the global movement of social change through music, Mitsuko is dedicated to making the CSO more than just a symphony but a vibrant hub for the community. She seeks to remove barriers and create meaningful opportunities for all people throughout the Lowcountry to experience the transformative power of music.

Mitsuko holds an MBA in Arts Innovation from the Global Leaders Institute. She also earned a BM and an Artist Diploma in Cello Performance from the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University, where she studied under the tutelage of cellist Nicholas Tzavaras and the Shanghai Quartet. Outside of her professional endeavors, Mitsuko finds joy in cooking and spending time with her husband, two young children, and miniature dachshund, Winston!