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Brevard Symphony Orchestra Announces Finalists in National Search for New Maestro

By  //  October 8, 2026

Four finalists are Wesley Schulz, Timothy Verville, Dirk Meyer and Chelsea Gallo

Wesley Schulz will conduct The Fall of a Feather on November 14. He is Music Director of the Auburn Symphony Orchestra and formerly served as Associate Conductor of the North Carolina Symphony. He is also Principal Guest Conductor of the Pacific Northwest Ballet.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Brevard Symphony Orchestra welcomes four renowned conductors as finalists in its 2026-27 national search for its next Music Director.

Each finalist will lead a BSO mainstage concert, giving audiences and musicians an opportunity to experience their artistic vision and leadership firsthand.

The four finalists are Wesley Schulz, Timothy Verville, Dirk Meyer, and Chelsea Gallo.

“We at the BSO are thrilled to welcome an array of talented guest conductors to share the stage with us during the 26-27 season, four of whom join us as finalists in the BSO’s national search for its new Music Director.

“It is sure to be an exciting year where we hope to connect with our audiences, experience new beginnings, and celebrate the music. We hope to see you there,” said Hadassah Etienne, Executive Director of the Brevard Symphony Orchestra.

Wesley Schulz will conduct The Fall of a Feather on November 14. He is Music Director of the Auburn Symphony Orchestra and formerly served as Associate Conductor of the North Carolina Symphony.

Wesley Schulz will conduct The Fall of a Feather on November 14. He is Music Director of the Auburn Symphony Orchestra and formerly served as Associate Conductor of the North Carolina Symphony.

He is also Principal Guest Conductor of the Pacific Northwest Ballet.

Timothy Verville will conduct Themes of Fantasy on January 23, 2027.

He has served as Music Director and Conductor of the Georgia Symphony Orchestra since 2016 and is an award-winning conductor and composer known for innovative programming and audience engagement.

Dirk Meyer will conduct The Grand Design on March 6, 2027.

He is the Music Director of the Augusta Symphony, Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra, and the Lyric Opera of the North.

A winner of The American Prize in orchestral conducting, Meyer has guest conducted orchestras throughout the U.S., Canada, and internationally.

Chelsea Gallo will conduct Fortune and Fate on April 17, 2027. Named a “rising star” by the Associated Press, Gallo serves as Resident Conductor of The Florida Orchestra and Principal Guest Conductor of the Orlando Philharmonic.

She has conducted major orchestras and opera companies across the U.S. and internationally.

“It is sure to be an exciting year where we hope to connect with our audiences, experience new beginnings, and celebrate the music. We hope to see you there,” said Hadassah Etienne, Executive Director of the Brevard Symphony Orchestra.

Distinguished Guest Conductors

The BSO’s season also features accomplished guest conductors outside of the Music Director search.

Matthew Wardell, Music Director of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and a regular cover conductor with the National Symphony Orchestra and Jacksonville Symphony, will lead Echoes of Freedom, The Most Wonderful Time, Aretha: A Tribute, the BSO’s Free Family Concert, and Music of Billy Joel featuring Michael Cavanaugh.

Paul Mauffray will conduct the BSO’s performances of Space Coast Ballet’s The Nutcracker, while Abigail Singer will lead the orchestra’s annual Children’s Concerts.

The Brevard Symphony Orchestra is the only fully professional orchestra in Brevard County and is home to many of Central Florida’s finest classical musicians.

For more information about Brevard Symphony Orchestra’s programs, season tickets, or ways to support the BSO, please visit brevardsymphony.com or call the BSO office at 321-345-5052.