Charleston Symphony Appoints Ryo Hasegawa as Assistant Conductor

Charleston, SC — 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.

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.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Ryo into this expanded role,” said Michael Smith, Chief Executive Officer of the Charleston Symphony. “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.”

In addition to his work with the youth orchestra, Hasegawa recently curated and conducted the CSO’s inaugural Family Concert, earning acclaim for his ability to engage and connect with audiences of all ages. He has led popular community outreach performances such as the Young People’s Concerts, Sunset Serenade at Piccolo Spoleto, and Seabrook Pops. In the 2025-2026 season, Hasegawa will continue to direct the CSYO, while assisting with all Masterworks and Pops rehearsals and concerts. He will also take the podium to conduct Holy City Messiah, Family Concerts, Seabrook Pops, and more.

"I'm thrilled to have Ryo join our artistic team and look forward to collaborating with him more closely,” said Yuriy Bekker, Charleston Symphony Artistic Director and Concertmaster. “He is an exceptionally gifted conductor with a bright future and is a tremendous asset to our orchestra."

“It’s a true honor to step into this new role with the Symphony,” said Hasegawa. “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.”

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.

About the Charleston Symphony

The Charleston Symphony (CSO) serves the tri-county area by presenting over 150 events annually, featuring Masterworks and Pops series at the Gaillard, chamber music performances throughout the community, a variety of education and outreach events, free concerts, and more. In February 2025, the Charleston Symphony celebrated its historic debut at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall.

Founded in 1936, the CSO strives to inspire and engage its community through music, while striving each day to make a greater impact than the day before. The CSO has grown into one of the largest full-time performing arts organizations in South Carolina, serving 50,000 adults and children every year. The CSO offers enriching educational programs for students and teachers that inspire, challenge, and educate students through musical experiences.

With an annual budget of over $5 million, ticket sales account for less than 50% of the Charleston Symphony’s operating revenue. The CSO relies on philanthropic support to bridge that gap and sustain our artistic and educational programs. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our community, we recently surpassed the $15 million goal of our inaugural endowment campaign, Music Matters.

For more information about the CSO, please visit www.charlestonsymphony.org

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Media Contact
Alana Morrall
Director of Marketing & Communications
amorrall@charlestonsymphony.org
(202) 246-3302