Just as he was wrapping up his first year at Concordia, Aidan O’Shea hit a high note in his young musical career, winning the inaugural Pass the Baton Collegiate Conducting Competition, hosted by the Symphony of the Americas.
O’Shea was selected as the top conductor among five finalists chosen from hundreds of applicants nationwide. The competition, led by conductor and artistic director Luke Frazier, is believed to be the first national conducting competition of its kind for undergraduate students.
Finalists traveled to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to rehearse and conduct the professional orchestra as part of the competition experience.
“Winning was a shock, but I was so thankful!” O’Shea said. “It opened up many professional opportunities and, with winning, I get to go back to the orchestra next year and conduct them in rehearsal and concert with Maestro Luke.”
O’Shea said Concordia’s distinctive conducting opportunities played a central role in his decision to enroll and in preparing him for this national stage.
“What really drew me in was the unique orchestral conducting certificate program here at Concordia, as well as the inspiring expressiveness of The Concordia Orchestra,” he said. “Over the past year, I have had weekly private lessons, instrumental conducting classes, master classes, and studio classes in the program, which have all been incredible experiences.”
Through the program, O’Shea gained valuable podium time working with The Concordia Orchestra, conducting a wide range of repertoire, from Verdi’s “Requiem” to Bao Yuankai’s “Chinese Sights and Sounds.”
“My first time working with The Concordia Orchestra last December was very exciting,” he said. “It’s amazing to conduct an orchestra that responds so well to clarity and expression in gestures.”
To be chosen as a national finalist was thrilling and little surprising, O’Shea said, since it came during his first year in college.
“This is definitely a major highlight in my career so far, and I’m very grateful for this opportunity,” he said.
Looking ahead, O’Shea plans to continue his studies and earn a master’s and doctoral degree in orchestral conducting.
“I hope to use those degrees to teach, conduct, and inspire others to love and enjoy the beauty of orchestral music,” he said.
Read more about O’Shea’s passion for conducting in a story with Black Hills Pioneer.