Jacob Joyce Leads Casual Concert Spotlighting Syracuse Orchestra

Jacob Joyce will conduct a Casual concert on January 31 and February 1, showcasing members of the Syracuse Orchestra. This performance is part of the selection process for the orchestra’s next music director, with Joyce being one of six finalists. The successful candidate will be announced at the end of the 2025-26 season.

Joyce’s journey into orchestral music began at a young age. At approximately seven years old, he fell in love with orchestral music after hearing Johannes Brahms’ Second Symphony. “I can trace my passion for classical music to that moment in time,” Joyce recalled from his current project in Washington, D.C., with the National Symphony. He has since pursued a robust academic and professional career in music, studying violin and conducting at Yale College and the New England Conservatory.

As the associate conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and music director of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra, Joyce has cultivated a reputation as a dynamic guest conductor. He has led performances with renowned orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra. Joyce is particularly noted for his efforts to engage new audiences and promote contemporary music.

“I especially enjoy working with the youth orchestra,” Joyce said. “I value my role as a mentor who can cultivate a love for classical music in young musicians.” He recognizes that not all young participants will pursue careers in music, making it essential to foster appreciation for the art form.

In Pittsburgh, Joyce has initiated a series called Saturday Sessions, designed to attract newcomers to orchestral performances. During these events, he provides context about the music and composers, enhancing the audience’s listening experience. “I’m looking forward to the Casual series concert in Syracuse, similar to the Saturday Sessions in Pittsburgh,” he expressed.

The upcoming concert at St. Paul’s Syracuse will feature a 75-minute program that includes soloists from the orchestra. The lineup starts with Archangelo Corelli’s Concerto Grosso in D major, followed by Alfred Schnittke’s humorous “Moz-Art à la Haydn.” The program will also include Johann Sebastian Bach‘s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G major and will conclude with Igor Stravinsky’s Concerto in E-flat, also known as “Dumbarton Oaks.”

Joyce aims to create a welcoming atmosphere during performances. “I invite the audience to enter into the majesty of the music,” he said, emphasizing his philosophy of fostering curiosity and providing an enriching intellectual experience.

Outside of music, Joyce enjoys spending time with family and friends, often sharing moments centered around music. He is also an avid runner, accompanied by his miniature Australian shepherd named Wally. Additionally, he describes himself as a coffee connoisseur, starting each day with freshly brewed coffee.

Joyce will return to Central New York on March 7 to conduct a Masterworks series concert featuring the music of Mozart.

SHOW DETAILS
What: Casual Concert, “The Orchestra Spotlight”
Where: St. Paul’s Syracuse, 220 E. Fayette St.
When: January 31 at 19:00 and February 1 at 15:00
Run Time: 75 minutes, no intermission
Tickets: $50 prime seating; $40 section B; senior citizens discounted; students with I.D. $5; kids under 18 free
Purchase: 315-299-5598 or syracuseorchestra.org
Parking: Free on street.