Norman Huynh named next Music Director of the Britt Festival Orchestra
Norman Huynh named next Music Director of the Britt Festival Orchestra
As music director, Huynh will serve as principal conductor of the BFO’s summer season, shape long-term artistic planning, and help expand the orchestra’s reach and relevance across Southern Oregon and beyond.
Britt announced today that American conductor Norman Huynh will become the fifth music director to lead the Britt Festival Orchestra in the ensemble’s 62-year history. Described as a conductor of “impeccable musical taste and irresistible personal charm” (KDHX St. Louis) who “brings energetic flair to familiar classics” (Chicago Classical Review), Huynh will assume his new role for a three-year term beginning this month.
As music director of the Britt Festival Orchestra, Huynh will serve as principal conductor and artistic leader of the orchestra’s three-week summer season, leading seven to nine performances each year on Britt Pavilion’s outdoor amphitheater stage in Jacksonville. Huynh will help shape long-term artistic planning while crafting bold and engaging programs in close collaboration with Britt’s leadership and artistic teams, combining beloved masterworks, newly commissioned pieces, and innovative collaborations designed to reach and inspire audiences across Southern Oregon.
Beyond the stage, Huynh will serve as a key ambassador for Britt and its resident orchestra, participating in community engagement and education events, as well as contributing to fundraising and audience development initiatives that aim to expand the orchestra’s reach and relevance — both regionally and nationally — and amplify Britt’s commitment to inclusivity, creativity, and community connection.
“The Britt Festival Orchestra is a cornerstone of Britt, and the Board of Directors is delighted to hand the literal and metaphorical baton to Maestro Norman Huynh,” said Board Chair Katie Hutchinson. “Norman has wowed audiences on Britt Hill with his beautiful conducting, creative programming, and engaging onstage presence. He’ll be an extraordinary ambassador for Britt, and we can’t wait to support his vision for this exceptional orchestra.”
"It's a thrill and a privilege to lead the Britt Festival Orchestra as its next music director. From the moment I first arrived at the beautiful Britt Pavilion in 2023 to guest conduct The Princess Bride in Concert, I felt an immediate connection — with the place, the people, and the extraordinary spirit of the Britt Music & Arts Festival. The quality of the music-making, and the dedication of these remarkable musicians from orchestras across the country, have truly inspired me."
Acclaimed for his dynamic conducting style, innovative programming, and an acute ability to connect with both seasoned and new concertgoers, Huynh has conducted distinguished orchestras across the United States, Europe, and Asia, including the Oregon Symphony, New York Philharmonic, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, and the Minnesota Orchestra.
Huynh has been the music director of the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra since 2020, during which time the ensemble has experienced record success, growing its subscriber base by 54% and driving ticket revenue more than 200%. Prior to taking the helm in Bozeman, he served as associate conductor of the Oregon Symphony and assistant conductor of the Portland (Maine) Symphony Orchestra, where he launched the “Symphony and Spirits” concert series for under-40 audiences and the PSO Explorers Program, which earned Huynh and the orchestra the 2015 Yale Distinguished Music Educator Award “in recognition of innovative approaches to music education.”
"After a two-year nationwide search, Norman rose to the top of our stellar candidate pool, and we are thrilled to welcome him as the Britt Festival Orchestra's next music director. It's a tremendous honor to announce him as the next leader of this fabulous orchestra, where he'll carry on the incredible legacies of previous music directors Teddy Abrams, Peter Bay, James DePreist, and Britt's founder, John Trudeau."
Huynh’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Britt, as the community-based arts organization continues to implement its “Next Big Dream” — a multiyear strategic plan focused on innovation, impact, and an inclusive approach to audience development, an area where Huynh brings national recognition for his ability to connect with young, diverse audiences. Working with Britt leadership, he will help build new bridges across Southern Oregon communities as the organization works to expand its roster of free education programs, activate Britt’s historic venue in more inclusive and engaging ways, enhance year-round community relevance, and position the BFO as a national model for outdoor orchestral innovation.
“I’m excited to build on Britt’s cherished legacy and explore new artistic possibilities together,” Huynh said. “I look forward to sharing my passion for symphonic music and creating unforgettable experiences with this vibrant community.”
