ASO Conducting Fellows Program

2023-2024 CONDUCTING FELLOWS PROGRAM

Program Sponsors: MARGARET & WILLIAM HECHT

The Allentown Symphony Orchestra Conducting Fellows Program was started by Diane Wittry to help conductors expand their skills and experiences with an eye towards becoming a Music Director and Conductor of a regional professional orchestra.  Each August Diane selects between 6 and 8 students from her conducting workshops to participate in the program.  These already experienced conductors spend a week leading up to a concert in Allentown, housed in private homes.  They meet with professional staff– music librarian, personnel manager, operations manager, development director, and executive director – and have mentoring sessions with Diane. They are invited to attend any of the orchestra’s rehearsals throughout the season.  In return, they perform such functions as listening for the balance of the orchestra in the hall, acting as a score reader for concerts that involve multimedia, conducting off-stage musicians, and more. 

Since its inception 14 years ago, it has been sponsored by William and Margaret Hecht and the Hecht Family Foundation.  To date, 76 conductors have participated from 30 different states, and 5 countries (USA, Canada, Argentina, United Kingdom, Japan.)


2023-2024 Season


DANIEL ZIPIN (September 14 & 15, 2023 Concerts)
Daniel Charles Zipin is an American conductor currently based in the Morgantown, West Virginia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania areas. Frequently a Cover Conductor for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic (Scranton, PA) and the Lexington Philharmonic (Lexington, KY), Daniel recently took to the podium in Lexington at the Singletary Center for the Arts during a Thursday evening rehearsal, on request from Music Director Mélisse Brunet.

 Daniel currently works as a Teaching Assistant in the orchestra program at West Virginia University (WVU), where he is finishing his Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting. Daniel serves as an Assistant Conductor of the WVU Symphony Orchestra and assists with the conducting course sequence for undergraduate music majors. Prior to this Daniel was a Teaching Assistant at the University of Iowa, where he served as Music Director of the Campus Symphony Orchestra and Assistant Conductor of the University of Iowa Symphony Orchestra. Previously, Daniel served as Music Director of the Buckeye Philharmonic (Columbus, OH)  through a period of artistic and organizational growth through challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

​A devoted advocate for music education, Daniel worked with the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra Chamber Strings, the Preucil School of Music, planning major educational events at the Nationwide Children's Hospital and the Voxman Music Building as a conductor. Daniel's pedagogically-focused composition, Summer Suite, was a finalist in the National Flute Association's Newly Published Music Competition in 2021.

​A regular attendee of conducting workshops across the United States, Daniel has worked with the Saratoga Orchestra (Whidbey Island, WA), the Boise Baroque Orchestra (Boise, ID), musicians from the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, and professional freelancers from around the country under the tutelage of conductors Diane Wittry, Anna Edwards, Robert Franz, Kenneth Kiesler, and Miguel Harth-Bedoya.



JESUS PARRA (November 11 & 12, 2023 Concerts)
Jesús Parra was born in La Victoria Aragua State Venezuela, in a humble family that let him to the path of music. At the age of 10, Parra started his musical studies in The Children and Youth Symphony Orchestra “José Félix Ribas” La Victoria City Nucleus. His first instrument was the violin, but his interests changed to the viola and orchestral conduction at the age of 12 years old. After this, Jesus formed part of The Youth Symphony Orchestra from La Victoria and The Youth Symphony Orchestra “José Félix Ribas” from Aragua State (Region Orchestra). His main masters were Alfredo Ascanio and Yenny Noguera. Also, Parra has received clases from prominent figures as José Antonio Abreu, Gustavo Dudamel, Christian Vásquez, Pablo Castellanos, Andrés González, Teresa Hernández, Miguel Ángel Monroy, Mario Benzecry, Henry Crespo, Dietrich Paredes, Alfredo Rugeles, among others. Currently, he is attending the Music Conservatory Simón Bolívar, and is part of the program to form Youth Masters and Conductors in The System. This program is by the following mentors: Gregory Carreño, Violeta Larez, Franka Verghaven, Túpac Amaru, among others. On the same way, Parra has participated as guest Conductor in many orchestras around Venezuela, searching for way to promote social inclusion through music. Besides that, he has been invited to conduct professional orchestras such as Aragua Symphony Orchestra. On the other hand, He also counts on international experience since 2010. Participated as guest Conductor in Turkey with the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela led by the music Director Gustavo Dudamel in 2011, as well as Los Ángeles (USA) and Edimburg-Stirling tours in which Parra debuted in London. In 2012, Parra was invited to participate again with the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela in the Carnegie Hall New York (USA). In the same year he is enrolled by audition in the Caracas Youth Symphony Orchestra. Jesús Parra directed 800 musicians in a concert for the peace in solidarity with the former President of Venezuela Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías in 2013. It is necessary to mention that this young talent participated in one of the most important festivals of classical music in the world, “The Salzburg Festival”, in which Parra conducted The Children National Children ́s Orchestra of Venezuela, sharing podium with the renowned conductor of Berlin Philharmonic Sir Simon Rattle. Besides this, his international participation continues with the tour Japan - Korea (ASIA) 2013 but this time as violist with The Caracas Youth Symphony Orchestra. Finally, Jesús Parra closes this year 2013 with a historical participation for culture in the Municipality of Jose Felix Ribas in La Victoria Aragua State Venezuela, conducting the Nutcracker Ballet by Tchaikovsky along with the “Youth Symphony Orchestra from La Victoria” and “La Victoria Ballet” in a concert opened to the whole community of the city, being the first time in Aragua State. This beautiful experience takes place again in 2015, but with the main Orchestras of the state. During the year 2014, Jesús Parra returns to the United States to conduct the YOLA (Youth Orchestra of Los Ángeles) a model inspired in El Sistema de Orquestas de Venezuela. This young Venezuelan talent has a pivotal participation in the most influential theatre in the world as La Scala de Milán in Italy together with the renowned master Gustavo Dudamel conducting Children National Children ́s Orchestra of Venezuela in the year 2015. In 2016 Jesús Parra conducted the “Violin Soloist Festival” in Maracaibo (Venezuela). After this Parra returns to Aragua and conducted important soloist concerts for violins by Max Bruch and Tchaikovsky.



MICHAEL AVAGLIANO (December 16, 2023 Concerts)
Michael Avagliano has created a multifaceted career as conductor, performer, and educator. As music director of the Somerset Symphony, Summit Symphony, and August Symphony, Avagliano has become as known for his exceptional musicianship as for his success in engaging and expanding the audiences of the organizations under his leadership.

As a guest conductor, Mr. Avagliano is increasingly in demand. He was a prizewinner in the 2023 Ionel Perlea International Conducting Competition, and as a result will conduct a production with Opera Craiova in Romania in 2024. Other upcoming engagements include the Palisades Sinfonietta and Bachanalia Chamber Orchestra. He has also made appearances with the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, Bohuslav Martinu Philharmonic (Czech Republic), Pleven Philharmonic (Bulgaria), Plainfield Symphony (NJ), University of Oregon Symphony, and a world premiere performance at Merkin Hall with the Bachanalia Chamber Orchestra.

When not leading orchestras, Mr. Avagliano turns his attention to mentoring the next generation of young conductors, imparting skills needed both on the podium and off. He founded the International Conducting Masterclass in Stony Point, NY, and also created the online workshop “Conducting the Interview” with Henry Fogel, former president of the League of American Orchestras. Hoping to build upon the success of these initiatives and construct further ones, Avagliano founded the Performers Learning Alliance in 2020, a nonprofit dedicated to creating educational opportunities for emerging artists. He is also on faculty at Drew University as director of ensembles and professor of violin and viola.



TYLER READINGER (February 10 & 11, 2024 Concerts)
Tyler Readinger, a native of Reading, Pennsylvania, is currently a doctoral student under the tutelage of Arthur Fagen and Thomas Wilkins at the Jacobs School of Music of Indiana University and was assistant conductor for the IU Opera and Ballet Theater. He formerly served as assistant conductor of the Reading Philharmonic Orchestra and has been invited to guest conduct groups such as the Reading Pops Orchestra, Stamford Young Artists Philharmonic, and Bloomington Symphony Orchestra. He has assisted and covered numerous conductors such as Constantine Kitsopoulos, Marzio Conti, and Angel Gil-Ordoñez, and has also studied briefly with David Neely and Christian Capocaccia.

Tyler was named semifinalist in the 2022 V Nino Rota International Conducting Competition in Matera, Italy. He has also participated in the International Conducting Workshop and Festival in Ukraine, the Conductors Institute of South Carolina, and the Beyond the Baton conducting seminar. His enthusiastic versatility on the podium has him working comfortably in a wide variety of styles both within the classical canon and beyond. In addition to numerous new concert music performances, he also is an avid conductor of film music live-to-picture, having conducted the premieres and recordings of newly composed scores for multiple early-20th century silent films.



JANE BROWN (February 19-24, 2024 Concerts)
Dr. Jane Brown is a passionate and energetic conductor and educator, known for her audience-friendly, thematic, multimedia programming, and innovative educational outreach programs in Northeastern California and Northern Nevada. A native of the arts-loving mountain communities of Northern California, Dr. Brown received her Bachelor of Music from Brigham Young University and Master of Arts in Music from California State University, Chico. After establishing a foundation as a professional orchestral musician and music educator, Ms. Brown embarked on her orchestral conducting career in the Spring of 2001. Most recently, Jane completed her Doctor of Musical Arts in Orchestral Conducting from University of Nevada, Las Vegas in May of 2022.

Dr. Brown served as the conductor the Reno Philharmonic Youth Symphony Orchestra from 2001 – 2004, after which she began serving as conductor and artistic director of the Reno Pops Orchestra. In 2013, she became conductor of the Ruby Mountain Symphony in Elko, Nevada, and most recently, founded a new professional ensemble known for its artistry and joyous music-making: the Northern Nevada String Serenade.

Dr. Brown also serves regularly as a state and regional music festival adjudicator and clinician in the western states. Her recent pursuits also include studying conducting with such internationally renowned masters as: Diane Wittry, Markand Thakar, Joseph Gifford, Karolos Trikolidis, Guerassim Voronkov, Victor Yampolsky, Jonathan Brett, and Alexander Polyanichko. Since 2013, she embarked on her international career, guest conducting many professional orchestras in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Russian Federation.



RUEFF FRAZAO (March 9 & 10, 2024 Concerts)
Mr. Frazao received his Bachelor’s in Music Education in 2013 from University of Central Florida and studied conducting with Mr. Michael Garasi, Dr. Scott Tobias, and Dr. David Brunner. Currently Mr. Frazao is working on his Master of Music in Orchestra Conducting at Oklahoma City University with Maestro Jeffery Grogan. Mr. Frazao has participated in the Florida Southern College Conducting Workshop with Dr. Kira Omelchenko, University of Central Florida Conducting Workshop with Dr. Chung Park, Texas Conducting Workshop at University of Texas in Arlington with Mr. Larry Livingston, Mrs. Diane Wittry and Dr. Clifton Evans.

Rueff Frazao’ s ensembles have performed at the Viennese Masters Invitation at Carnegie Hall, performed Holst’s Jupiter at the Celebration Foundation Concert Series with Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, performed and orchestrated for fiddler Gary Lovini “King of Strings” at Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center.



DANA ZIMBRIC (April 13 & 14, 2024 Concerts)
Dana Zimbric, award-winning conductor and visionary music educator is on a mission to reshape classical music for today's discerning audiences.

Since 2010, Zimbric has held the position of Artistic Director/Conductor at the California Chamber Orchestra in Temecula, CA. Under her leadership, the Orchestra has garnered accolades and grants from prestigious institutions like the California Arts Council, Women's Philharmonic Advocacy, and Partners in Performance. Their forte lies in delivering accessible chamber orchestra experiences, forging meaningful educational partnerships with area school districts, and co-producing the widely acclaimed Classics at the Merc series in collaboration with the City of Temecula at the historic Old Town Temecula Community Theater.

A sought-after guest conductor, Ms. Zimbric has directed numerous orchestras throughout California. Her illustrious career has included conducting roles with Orchestra Nova San Diego (formerly the San Diego Chamber Orchestra), San Diego Youth Symphony, Avanti (Youth) Chamber Orchestra, and the University of Wisconsin Chamber and Symphony Orchestras.

Ms. Zimbric has her Bachelor of Music from the University of Wisconsin, a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and coursework toward a Master of Arts in Teaching degree through Point Loma Nazarene University. She resides in San Diego with her husband and two talented daughters.


2010-2011 Season
Tim Dixon, PA
Jennifer Kelly, PA
Joe Jones, NY
Greg Woodbridge, PA

2011-2012 Season
Michael Avagliano, NJ
Reuben Blundell, NY
Stephen Czarkowski, D.C.
Edette Gagné, Canada
David Long, TN

2012-2013 Season
Marc-André Bougie, AR
Gemma New, NJ
Christopher Ramaekers, IL
Dominique Royem, TX
David Upham, NH

2013-2014 Season
Jane Brown, NV
David Cubeck, CA
Raul Gomez, LA
Darin Lewis, CT
David Ramael, NY

2014-2015 Season
Mark Crim, TX
John Devlin, MD
Andrew King, IN
Dimitar Nikolov, MD
Julia Tai, WA

2015-2016 Season
Flavio Garber, Argentina
Matthew Hooper, PA
Alex Kahn, CA
Geoffrey Pope, CA
Suzanne Rome, LA
Veronica Salinas, TX

2016-2017 Season
Todd Craven, FL
Anna Edwards, WA
John Murton, MD (U.K.)
Benjamin Nilles, IL
Toru Tagawa, AZ (Japan)

2017-2018 Season
Kalena Bovell, CT
Bobby Collins, WA
Jennifer Drake, ID
Gregory McDaniel, TX
Ismael Sandoval, MA
Tyler Readinger, PA

2018-2019 Season
Thomas Taylor Dickey, OK
Danielle Garret, PA
Yutaka Kono, CT
Hannah Schendel, MN
Felipe Morales Torres, D.C.
Michael Wittenberg, NJ

2019-2020 Season (COVID)
Justin Cowan, CT
Alexandra Kovatch, MO
Tiffany Liu, MD
Lauren Wasynczuk, CA

2020-21 Season (COVID)
Michael Avagliano, NJ
Brent Chancellor, NJ
Nell Flanders, NY
Silas Huff, KS

2021-22 Season
Michael Avagliano, NJ
Brent Chancellor, NY
Nell Flanders, MD
Sebastian Serrano-Ayala, WA
Luis Viquez, SD
Joanna Cochenet, Washington D.C.

2022-23 Season
Alex Arellano, IA
YuChi Chou, WA
Anoa Green, MD
Silas Huff, KS
Jeffrey Klefstad, P
Edward Leonard, PA
Megan Maddaleno, FL
Chawen Ting, GA