Music Directors - Akron Symphony Orchestra

Music Directors

Artistic Leadership

Christopher Wilkins

Christopher Wilkins

Music Director & Conductor

Christopher Wilkins is passionate about community-oriented projects. He has made it a priority to develop partnerships with artists and organizations based in Northeast Ohio, and to develop educational programming for people of all ages, interests and backgrounds.

Eric Benjamin

Eric Benjamin

Associate Conductor, Akron Youth Symphony Music Director

Active as a composer and arranger, Eric Benjamin’s works have been performed by orchestras nationally. Eric is a committed educator and has taught music at the elementary, secondary and college level.

Chris Albanese

Chris Albanese

Director, Akron Symphony Chorus

Chris Albanese is the Director of the Akron Symphony Chorus.

Jonathon Turner

Jonathon Turner

Gospel Meets Symphony Choirmaster

Jonathon Turner is the Gospel Meets Symphony Choirmaster.

Douglas A. Bayda

Douglas A. Bayda

Director, Akron Youth Philharmonic

Douglas Bayda has extensive experience teaching orchestra in Akron Public Schools, as well as string instruction for students since 2007. He is active in the Ohio Music Education Association and National Association for Music Education.