Podcast Summary: Speaking Soundly – Season Finale with Conductor Jonathan Hayward

Episode Title: Jonathon Heyward
Release Date: June 11, 2024
Host: David Kraus, Principal Trumpet, Metropolitan Opera
Guest: Jonathan Hayward, Music Director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Festival Orchestra of Lincoln Center

Introduction

In the season finale of Speaking Soundly, host David Kraus engages in a compelling conversation with Jonathan Hayward, the dynamic and trailblazing music director of both the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the Festival Orchestra of Lincoln Center. At just 31 years old, Hayward has already made significant strides in the classical music world, embodying a blend of youthful energy and seasoned expertise.

Early Aspirations and Musical Beginnings

Jonathan Hayward's journey into music was both serendipitous and driven by a deep-seated passion.

• Childhood Dream: At the age of 14, Hayward was interviewed about his future in conducting. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, he shared:

  “When I was 14 years old... I said, I hope that I will become a music director of a major symphony in the United States.”
  [01:19]

• Choosing the Cello: Contrary to his initial plan to play the violin, an unforeseen twist led him to the cello. Hayward recounts:

  “Came down to the day of picking up our instruments... nobody was in the cello line... I just popped over to the cello and picked a bigger instrument.”
  [07:05]

• Early Challenges: Starting the cello at 10, a later age than many, Hayward faced the challenge of catching up. However, his dedication quickly paid off when he auditioned and secured a spot at the Charleston County School of the Arts after only three months of training.

  “I was in love with it... I just forgot the lyrics... music gave me that space.”
  [09:47]

Path to Conducting

Hayward's transition from cellist to conductor was marked by ambition and the support of influential mentors.

• First Steps in Conducting: A chance opportunity during eighth grade ignited his interest in conducting.

  “I remember making that decision because it was then time to go to high school.”
  [11:07]

• Mentorship: Under the guidance of Ms. Sarah Fitzgerald, Hayward honed his conducting skills, leading full orchestras during his high school years despite limited prior experience.

  “Ms. Sarah Fitzgerald gave me once every week, a little bit of time of rehearsal...”
  [12:31]

• Higher Education: At the Boston Conservatory, Hayward balanced intensive cello studies with his growing passion for conducting, eventually creating a role as an assistant conductor for the opera department.

  “I created a job for me as an assistant conductor of the Boston Conservatory Opera department.”
  [14:16]

Balancing Roles and Personal Growth

Hayward's relentless pursuit of his musical career often meant juggling multiple responsibilities.

• Work Ethic: To support himself, he worked grueling hours at a diner while managing his commitments to the conservatory and conducting.

  “I learned the art of napping for 20 minutes because I would have to do late night rehearsals...”
  [14:28]

• Connection Through Work: His experiences in the diner environment—where he served in every possible role—taught him invaluable lessons in people management and community building, which he now applies to his role as a conductor.

  “I do like every role you can imagine... It taught me a lot about people.”
  [16:00]

Pioneering Leadership in Baltimore

Jonathan Hayward's appointment as the music director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra at 29 marks a historic milestone.

• Breaking Barriers: As the youngest and first African American music director in the orchestra's 106-year history, Hayward acknowledges the weight of his position.

  “I am often thinking about the wonderful African American conductors before me...”
  [19:21]

• Responsibility and Inspiration: While aware of the responsibility that comes with being a trailblazer, Hayward draws inspiration from predecessors like Dean Dixon and James Dupree, striving to continue their legacy and push the boundaries further.

  “I'm hoping that just to continue this trailblazing moment where we don't have to talk about the first anymore.”
  [19:21]

Redefining Classical Music Engagement

Hayward is committed to making classical music more accessible and relatable to diverse audiences.

• Authentic Relatability: Emphasizing the importance of listening to community needs, he aims to align the orchestra's direction with the desires of both the audience and the musicians.

  “Authentic intentionality and relatability is something that really leads the way that I want to lead an organization...”
  [21:13]

• Programmatic Evolution: Discussing his role with the Festival Orchestra of Lincoln Center, Hayward views the renaming from Mostly Mozart as a natural evolution, expanding the repertoire beyond traditional boundaries while honoring its rich history.

  “It's really a natural progression... being able to do that side by side with Lincoln Center's... vision and passion for performing arts has been really thrilling.”
  [23:43]

Personal Philosophy and Future Aspirations

Hayward's philosophy centers on the universal joy of music and the continuous pursuit of connection through performance.

• Joy in Music: He describes music-making as a source of pure joy and an intrinsic part of his being.

  “It connects with a part of me that nothing else can... I always feel like I'm in the right place.”
  [25:49]

• Vision for the Future: Looking ahead, Hayward is enthusiastic about fostering deeper connections between classical music and broader audiences, aiming to dissolve existing barriers and cultivate a more inclusive musical landscape.

Notable Quotes

• On Leadership Style:

  “I approach conducting is very much of one that is filled with collaboration and that idea, nuance of being, being one with a musician.”
  [03:18]

• On Breaking Traditions:

  “Dictatorial kind of conducting just wouldn't even sit right with me.”
  [03:18]

• On Music's Impact:

  “Being able to connect with music on that level and it feels, it just feels such a part of my very being...”
  [25:49]

Conclusion

Jonathan Hayward embodies the future of classical music leadership—innovative, inclusive, and deeply connected to both his community and his art. His journey from a young cellist in Charleston to a pioneering music director in major American orchestras serves as an inspiring testament to passion, resilience, and the transformative power of music. As Speaking Soundly wraps up its season, listeners are left with a profound appreciation for Hayward's contributions and a hopeful glance toward the evolving landscape of classical music.

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