Conductors
Norman Huynh
Music Director
American conductor Norman Huynh has attracted significant acclaim not just for his natural musicality and technical command, but for his dynamic presence, creative programming, and highly sought-after abilities to connect with new audiences.
Having served as the Music Director of the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra for the past four years, Norman has now committed to extending his tenure through the 2028-29 season. Since arriving in Bozeman in 2020, the organization has celebrated record success, growing from 881 to more than 1,300 subscribers in just two seasons, with over 200 percent growth in ticket revenue, and numerous sold-out shows. In 2021, the Symphony expanded its performance season with a sixth classical concert and now a seventh in 2024. During his tenure, Norman has welcomed a wide and diverse range of special guests and created artistic partnerships with several local artists and arts organizations, establishing himself as an invaluable collaborative partner in Bozeman.
Recognized for his dynamic and authoritative conducting style and enthusiastic advocacy for the arts, Norman has been instrumental in redefining the Bozeman Symphony’s artistic direction. His innovative programming reflects the diverse community it serves and his unique ability to connect audiences has significantly enriched their classical music listening experience.
Norman’s influence extends beyond Bozeman. With a distinguished career as a guest conductor, his past and future guest appearances include his sold-out subscription debut with the New York Philharmonic, as well as appearances with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, San Diego Symphony, Seattle Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Minnesota Symphony Orchestra, Mobile Symphony Orchestra, Oregon Symphony, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and the Britt Music & Arts Festival.
With an expansive repertoire that spans from the Baroque to the 21st century, Norman shows great prowess as an insightful collaborative musician. He has conducted concerts featuring renowned, multi-award-winning stars throughout the world of classical music, as well as artists from the genres of R&B, hip-hop, and pop. These include violinists Itzhak Perlman and Augustin Hadelich; bassist Edgar Meyer; guitarist Pablo Sáinz-Villegas; composers Kevin Puts, Andy Akiho, and Phillip Glass; singer/songwriters Smokey Robinson and Gladys Knight; rappers, musicians, and actors Leslie Odom Jr., Wyclef Jean, and Nas; indie and folk artist Gregory Alan Isakov; and pop groups such as Pink Martini and Boyz II Men. In addition, Norman has received considerable acclaim for his work conducting orchestral performances of live film soundtracks, ranging from An American in Paris to Harry Potter films.
A proud first-generation Asian-American, Norman’s passion for engaging new audiences reflects his entry point to classical music as a 12-year-old “band geek” trombonist in Alabama. The euphonium player turned maestro continues to find passion in exploring new ways to create similar opportunities for others. In 2015, Norman and the Portland Symphony Orchestra earned the 2015 Yale Distinguished Music Educator Award, awarded “in recognition of innovative approaches to music education.”
Norman previously served as the Associate Conductor of the Oregon Symphony and Assistant Conductor of the Portland (Maine) Symphony Orchestra. He was a featured conductor in the 2022 Bruno Walter National Conductor Preview alongside the Louisiana Philharmonic. He was also selected for private mentorship by the late maestro Kurt Masur as a prestigious Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy Scholarship recipient.
Norman resides in Bozeman with his wife, Catherine Young, and son, Romeo. He enjoys stargazing, board games, and riding his motorcycle.
This video was made possible in part by Sal and Carol Glenn Lalani.