Twenty Seasons of Musical Joy
As Conductor of the Waco Symphony Orchestra, Maestro Stephen Heyde may have the most familiar backside in central Texas. But behind the scenes, Maestro Heyde works tirelessly to ensure that the WSO attracts the finest musicians, provides the guidance they need to deliver their finest performances, and consistently presents superior classical and pops concerts to central Texas audiences.
So get behind the Maestro as Stephen Heyde begins his 21st season as Music Director and Conductor of the Waco Symphony Orchestra. Order your season tickets today.
Stephen M. Heyde is the Mary Franks Thompson Professor of Orchestral Studies and Conductor-in-Residence at Baylor University and the Conductor/Music Director of the Waco Symphony Orchestra. Prior to moving to Texas, Mr. Heyde was a member of the violin faculty at West Virginia University from 1975-1984.
Mr. Heyde has conducted All State Orchestras and other festival orchestras in 29 states and continues to be in frequent demand in this capacity. He has conducted ballet performances with the Indianapolis, Fort Worth, Tulsa, Austin, and Oakland companies, and a number of collegiate opera productions. Heyde has been invited to guest conduct at many Universities, including recent engagements at Yale University, Ithaca College and the University of Oregon.
Stephen Heyde made his European debut with the Krakow State Philharmonic in March 1998. In October, 2004, he was invited to conduct the orchestra of the prestigious Liszt Academy in Budapest, Hungary. During his stay in Budapest, he was awarded the prestigious “Memorial Ring of the Liszt Ferenc Music Academy” and also accepted a position on the Curatorium (Board of Supervisors) for the Academy. While in Europe, Mr. Heyde also addressed the International Society for Music Education in Belgium and participated in a Roundtable presentation of the International Kodaly Society.
Under Mr. Heyde’s direction, the Baylor Symphony has performed numerous times at the Texas Music Educators Clinic/Convention. In December of 2003, the Baylor Symphony was featured with other School of Music ensembles in a PBS Special, “Christmas at Baylor” that was aired nationally in over 350 markets with an estimated audience in excess of six million viewers. Under Mr. Heyde’s direction, the Baylor Symphony has also appeared by invitation at the prestigious Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, South Carolina and at a national convention of the American String Teachers Association. The Baylor Symphony was privileged to accompany the last public performance of revered violinist Joseph Gingold and has also worked with a number of distinguished American performers including Robert Shaw. Mr. Heyde led the Symphony in concerts in San Jose, Heredia and Cartago, Costa Rica in March, 2004.
As a violinist, Mr. Heyde served as concertmaster of the West Virginia Symphonette, concertmaster of the Conductors Guild Orchestra, and associate concertmaster of the New Pittsburgh Chamber Orchestra, among other positions. As a member of the Amart String Quartet and as a recitalist, he has appeared frequently on public radio and television.
A recipient of Outstanding Teacher Awards at West Virginia University and Baylor University, Mr. Heyde is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, Mu Omicron and Texas Orchestra Directors Association, in addition to other professional associations. He is currently National President of the College Orchestra Directors Association.