Music Director for the Interlochen Arts Academy and the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra, conductor Matthew Hazelwood recently led the Puchon Philharmonic for the opening of the City of Seoul Festival at the Seoul Arts Center. Appearing on PBS in a production of the World's Largest Concert and on ABC's Good Morning America, he has conducted performances with many distinguished artists, including Misha Dichter, Russell Sherman, Leon Bates, Dudley Moore, Ralph Votapek, Miles Hoffman, and Jerome Lowenthal.

Beginning as a percussion major at Mannes, Mr. Hazelwood joined the National Symphony of Columbia as principal timpanist after completing his college studies. In 1980, he launched his conducting career by becoming the Chorus Master and Assistant Conductor of the National Opera of Colombia. Remaining with the company for over thirty productions, Mr. Hazelwood worked with many renowned musicians, including Martina Arroyo, Carlo Bergonzi, Juan Pons, Thomas Hampson, and Lili Chookasian. Upon returning to the United States, Mr. Hazelwood was named Associate Music Director of the Michigan State University Opera Theater and Music Director of the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra.

Before auditioning for Richard Westenberg to become a choral conducting major, Mr. Hazelwood studied percussion with Howard van Hyning at Mannes. He credits Mannes's focus on the fundamentals for providing him with "a great background for being a conductor. When I look at other music programs, nothing compares to Mannes. I hold a special place in my heart for Mannes. It was both wonderful and inspiring."

Fond of his memories at Mannes, Mr. Hazelwood makes a conscious effort to work with other alumni. Conducting several pieces composed for him by faculty member Leo Edwards, he also invited alumnus Arthur Woodley to perform as a guest soloist with the Battle Creek Symphony. Upcoming engagements for Mr. Hazelwood include conducting the South Dakota Symphony and the World Youth Symphony at Interlochen with Sarah Chang.


Photo Credit: Phaff Studio