Binghamton Philharmonic appoints Daniel Hege As Music Director

After conducting a two-year search process, the Binghamton Philharmonic has chosen Daniel Hege as its new music director. Hege has previously held this position with Syracuse Symphony Orchestra for 11 seasons before taking up duties with Wichita Symphony Orchestra where he will continue in both roles simultaneously.

Early Life and Education

Hege grew up on a farm in Idaho and was actively involved with both his community and First Mennonite Church. Known for his compassion and kindness towards those needing assistance.

Teaching horn lessons and coaching chamber music ensembles at Cleveland Institute of Music’s (CIM) Preparatory Division and Joint Music Program with Case Western Reserve University, and providing horn coaching at its Joint Music Program; his former students have continued on with degrees at CIM, University of Michigan or elsewhere.

Hege is the former music director of Syracuse Symphony Orchestra and currently serves as music director of Wichita Symphony in Kansas. Additionally, Hege is often asked to guest conduct orchestras and festivals throughout the United States. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Bethel College in North Newton.

Professional Career

Hege took an unconventional route into conducting. She studied music at both large university music schools and conservatories, but chose instead a unique alternative path.

She credits both of her parents with giving her the foundation needed for musical education that has led to her success. Her father, an oboist with the Cleveland Orchestra at one time, encouraged her to explore music further.

Hege is currently music director of both the Wichita Symphony and Binghamton Philharmonic orchestras as well as guest conductor for orchestras throughout the US and internationally.

she has conducted at some of America’s premier orchestral training programs, such as Aspen Music Festival and National Repertory Orchestra. Daniel Hege, an orchestra conductor himself, lives with their three children in Syracuse with them both; while she thrives on keeping a busy performance/teaching schedule.

Achievement and Honors

Hege credits her parents as her primary influence in music, but former Cleveland Orchestra member Shelly Showers provided her with the confidence she needed to step into an area that had long been barren for women. Additionally, Hege credits his husband – music director of both Syracuse and Wichita symphonies – with encouraging her to audition for Cleveland job despite initial reservations.

Hege often provides an informative pre-concert lecture. At Rochester, Hege joined violinist Angelo Xiang Yu (who plays a Stradivarius violin) for a discussion of the repertoire that the orchestra would be performing that night.

Daniel Hege’s performances at iconic venues like Walt Disney Concert Hall and Isaac Stern Auditorium in Los Angeles as well as Blossom Music Center in Ohio have sold out in advance, so TicketSmarter makes it simple for you to find Daniel Hege tickets.

Personal Life

Hege opted to study music at Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas as it offered both liberal arts programs as well as history majoring majors.

Hege serves as music director of both the Wichita Symphony and Binghamton Philharmonic, in addition to being a frequent guest conductor for other orchestras around the country. Additionally, Hege teaches orchestral conducting at both Music Academy of the West and National Repertory Orchestra.

Hege has thoroughly enjoyed working with the Spokane Symphony and performing for their audiences, and is eager to return for Classics 6 this weekend at Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox. Hege will lead performances of works by Mozart, Beethoven and Shostakovich.

Net Worth

Hege earned his undergraduate degree in music and history at Bethel College in Kansas, focusing on Dmitri Shostakovich’s work under Soviet regime as his senior seminar paper topic. Later he attended University of Utah to earn his masters in orchestral conducting where he founded University Chamber Orchestra.

He has guest conducted orchestras in Seattle, San Diego, Columbus, and Denver as well as Rochester and Syracuse opera productions of Madame Butterfly, La Traviata, and Tosca.

Hege is known for his innovative interpretations of standard repertoire as well as creative programming. Additionally, Hege is well known for bringing out the best performances from orchestras under his leadership; He was music director and conductor for 11 seasons at Syracuse Symphony before becoming music director/conductor of Binghamton Philharmonic.