Pittsburgh Symphony Associate Conductor Jacob Joyce Steps In with Short Notice

In Friday’s (11/15) Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Jeremy Reynolds writes, “At 4:30 p.m. on Friday, conductor Sir Donald Runnicles … who was to lead the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, called in sick, letting the orchestra know he’d be unable to conduct the evening’s program … Jacob Joyce, the orchestra’s intrepid associate conductor, stepped to the podium to lead Friday’s concert. (He’d had the morning to rehearse with the orchestra, at least, as Runnicles had put the orchestra on notice beforehand.) Joyce, 32, typically conducts some of the orchestra’s community and education concerts and some of the ‘live-with-film’ performances. This is his fourth year with the orchestra and the second time this year he’s stepped in … On Friday, Joyce led with an ear for directness and simplicity.” The orchestra performed works by Hamish MacCunn, Einojuhani Rautavaara, and Richard Strauss. “Joyce’s rapport with the orchestra is clear, and I’m surprised at this point he hasn’t been snapped up for a full-time music director position at another orchestra … Earlier in the week, the symphony visited a school … to perform for more than 1,000 schoolchildren … Their cheers for the orchestra’s playing—Joyce conducted this program as well—rivaled Friday’s crowd’s ovation. The symphony … will be making more [school visits] in the coming seasons, reflecting a larger trend in arts philanthropy for educational measures.”