David Commanday Promoted to Music Director of Central Illinois Youth Symphony

Orchestral conductor David Commanday has been announced as the new music director for the Central Illinois Youth Symphony. Commonday was promoted to the position from within the organization, as he currently holds the post of conductor with the CIYS.

In a report on the promotion from the local Peoria, Illinois publication, the Journal Star, the publication lists some of Commanday's concurrent conducting and institutional efforts:

"Commanday also is the conductor for the Youth Symphony Orchestra and will begin his expanded position in the 2016-17 season. In addition to his position with CIYS, Commanday is the artistic director of the Heartland Festival Orchestra, artist in residence and adjunct faculty at Eureka College, and conductor of the Young People's Symphony Orchestra at Webster University."

Mr. Commanday's professional website at www.davidcommanday.com further expounds on the new music director's many previous musical positions:

"David Commanday commenced his professional career as music director of the Boston Ballet over three seasons, touring Europe, North America, and Mexico with Boston and Rudolf Nureyev. Subsequent positions include assistant conductor of the San Diego Symphony and associate conductor of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.

Commanday received his education at Harvard University, graduating cum laude after specializing in music, language and psychology. He then was principal cellist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra Tanglewood fellowship under the direction of famed conductor Leonard Bernstein.

Below, watch an excerpt of the Central Illinois Youth Symphony performing a medley from the 1980 Star Wars film, The Empire Strikes Back. The Empire Strikes Back was directed by the late Irvin Kershner and featured a musical score from legendary Star Wars composer John Williams.

We here at The Classical Arts wish Mr. Commanday all the best in his new position as music director of the Central Illinois Youth Symphony.

We want to hear from you. Do you have a favorite piece of Star Wars music? What did you think of the above CIYS rendition of The Empire Strikes Back's famous score? Let us know what you think of David Commanday and the CIYS in the comments section below.

TagsDavid Commanday, Central Illinois Youth Symphony, Heartland Festival Orchestra, Young People's Symphony Orchestra, Boston Ballet, Rudolf Nureyev, San Diego Symphony, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, Irvin Kershner, John Williams