Cairn University Welcomes Dr. Thomas Hong as New Symphony Orchestra Conductor

Cairn University is excited to welcome celebrated conductor and alumnus Dr. Thomas Hong as the University’s new symphony orchestra conductor.
Dr. Hong graduated from the University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Music (Piano Performance) and a Bachelor of Science in Bible. During his time at the University, Dr. Hong studied under Dr. Samuel Hsu, distinguished professor in the School of Music. He then pursued a Master of Choral Conducting at Temple University, received an Artist Diploma in Orchestral Conducting from The Curtis Institute of Music, and concluded his training at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University.
Dr. Hong brings a wealth of international experience to the ensemble, having conducted numerous Symphony Orchestras and Philharmonics throughout the United States and around the world. He won titled positions with the Dallas, Pittsburgh, and Seattle Symphony Orchestras as well as the Orchestre National de France. The Utah, Fort Worth, Richmond, Winnipeg, and Spokane Symphony Orchestras as well as the Seoul, Buffalo, and Lutoslawski Philharmonics have all welcomed him as a guest conductor. Dr. Hong more recently was named the music director of the Penn Symphony Orchestra at the University of Pennsylvania. He currently lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Rachel Ku of The Philadelphia Orchestra, and their daughter, Esther.
“I am so delighted to welcome Tom to our faculty,” said Dr. Benjamin Harding, dean of the School of Music. “He is a brilliant educator, conductor and musician, and our students will be blessed to learn from his years of experience.”
The first Symphony Orchestra concert conducted by Dr. Hong will be held on Friday, November 16 at 7:30 in Chatlos Chapel. You can purchase tickets at cairn.edu/tickets.