This article introduces one of six finalists for The Syracuse Orchestra’s position of music director. We will profile each finalist prior to the first of two concerts they are scheduled to conduct. Each conductor will also be introduced at events listed on the orchestra’s website. The successful candidate will be announced at the end of the 2025-26 season.

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Syracuse, N.Y. — The young man with an espresso or cold brew in hand, chatting backstage before the next Syracuse Orchestra concert, is likely the conductor. Austin Chanu typically arrives a couple of hours early to review the program and focus on details while sipping his coffee in solitude. As curtain time approaches, he emerges from his dressing room to mingle with stagehands, technicians and musicians as they arrive.

“It’s wh

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