News

Napa Valley Youth Symphony Appoints Dr. Alexander Kahn as NEW Music Director and Conductor

March 1, 2025

The Napa Valley Youth Symphony (NVYS) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Alexander Kahn as its new Music Director and Conductor. This exciting new chapter for the organization comes at a time of growth and innovation, as NVYS continues its commitment to inspiring young musicians and fostering a love for music in the Napa Valley.


Kevin Morrisey, NVYS Board Treasurer, shared his enthusiasm for Dr. Kahn’s appointment, stating, “When Alexander stepped into the rehearsal room, his demonstrated gift for teaching, leading, and inspiring the students was obvious. He transformed our diverse group of individual musicians into a unified and soaring orchestra playing as one. I look forward to his taking on the role of both conductor and music director for the NVYS, bringing his technical skills, artistry, experience, knowledge, patience, passion, and dedication to the organization exactly at the moment we need it most. We are so fortunate to have him leading us into our next chapter.”


Dr. Kahn’s appointment follows an extensive search process that involved student musicians, parents, and community members, all of whom voiced their strong support for his leadership. NVYS Executive Director, Silvia Regalado-Zachlod, expressed her gratitude to community partners like AMPLIFI Napa Valley, who provided funding to help NVYS secure a talented group of professional coaches for its student musicians. She also thanked Rebecca Blum, Executive Director of Music in the Vineyards, for her invaluable contribution to the search committee. Silvia added, “We are excited to further strengthen music education for our students with Alexander’s guidance and leadership.”


Dr. Kahn, who is also a Professor of Music and Director of Orchestral Activities at Sonoma State University, brings a wealth of experience to NVYS. He has previously served as the Director of Orchestral Activities at Gettysburg College’s Sunderman Conservatory of Music, and as the Founder and former Music Director of the UC Berkeley Chamber Orchestra. Dr. Kahn has also worked with renowned orchestras across the United States and Europe, including as Assistant Conductor for the Baltimore Symphony and the Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC. He has served as a Guest Conductor for NVYS and the Music Director of the Vintner’s Chamber Orchestra, a professional ensemble based in the wine country of Sonoma and Napa counties.


Dr. Kahn expressed his excitement about his new role, stating, “I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with the incredible students, staff, and Board who make up the Napa Valley Youth Symphony! I have been consistently impressed by the kindness, drive, focus, dedication, and musicality of every member of this program, and I can’t wait to be a part of the team.”


NVYS Board Secretary, Dr. Abhijit Adhye, shared his own excitement for Dr. Kahn’s leadership, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Kahn to our Youth Symphony family. His passion for music education and dedication to nurturing young musicians align perfectly with our mission. We are excited for the inspiration and leadership he will bring to our program, and we look forward to an incredible future under his direction.”


As a scholar, Dr. Kahn earned a Ph.D. in Music History from UC Berkeley, where he focused his research on the community of European exiles in Los Angeles during the Third Reich. He is also the co-author of Caring for the Whole Musician (Routledge, 2023), which explores the intersection of mindfulness and the Alexander Technique. His dedication to music education and scholarship is evident in his role on the Advisory Board for the California Orchestra Director’s Association (CODA).


The Napa Valley Youth Symphony will host its final Spring Concerto Benefit on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 7pm at the Jarvis Conservatory in downtown Napa. 

 

NAPA EDUCATORS RECOGNIZE ARTS STUDENTS FOR EXCELLENCE QUALIFYING THEM FOR ACNVEA SCHOLARSHIPS

Arts Council Napa Valley Blog April 2023

April's VAPA winner in the category of Band & Orchestra Award is Nigel Quirk, American Canyon High School (ACHS) Senior and NVYS Bassist. ACHS Music Teacher, Brendan Day writes - "Nigel is a talented and dedicated performer on the string bass, electric bass, and in percussion.

Go HERE to read more!

 

Theunissen recognized as a National Merit Finalist

Napa Valley Register March 1, 2023

Daniel Theunissen, a senior at Napa High School, has been recognized as a National Merit Finalist. Only about 15,000 out of 1 million people who took the PSAT last year received this award, said a news release. Theunissen has maintained a 4.7 GPA throughout high school and is also an AP scholar with distinction. Theunissen said he achieved this honor “by studying hard and staying focused on my goals.”

Go HERE to read more!

 

Napa Educators Recognize Arts Students for Excellence Qualifying them for ACNVEA Scholarships

Arts Council Napa Valley Blog March 2023

March's VAPA winner for Band Award is Julian Damron, Silverado Middle School, 8th Grade and Sinfonia Trombonist. Silverado Music Teacher, Brian Beggs writes - "Julian has been a valuable part of the Silverado Advanced Band this year.

Go HERE to read more!

 

2023 Concerto Concert Featuring Madeline Chiu and Sienna yoo

Napa Valley Register February 2, 2023

 

The Napa Valley Youth Symphony, in partnership with the Napa Valley College's Music Department, presents our 2023 Concerto Concert featuring violinists, Madeline Chiu and Sienna Yoo. 

Go HERE to read more!

 

NAPA VALLEY YOUTH SYMPHONY ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Napa Valley Register January 18, 2023

The Napa Valley Youth Symphony welcomes our New Executive Director, Silvia Regalado-Zachlod effective January 1, 2023. Silvia has a strong background nonprofit management, fundraising, and has served on boards in the Napa Valley supporting education. 

Go HERE to read more!

 

Napa Valley Youth Symphony Celebrates with Brazil!

Napa Valley Register November 30, 2022

The Napa Valley Youth Symphony will present a concert celebrating the bicentennial anniversary of Brazil’s independence at 6 p.m. on Dec. 17 at Taube Atrium Theater in the War Memorial Veterans Building in San Francisco.

Go HERE to read more.