Caleb Young is an American conductor who excels in bringing both American and European classical music to life. Drawing on his training with renowned Finnish conductor Jukka-Pekka Saraste, Young merges European classical techniques with a deep appreciation for American composers, offering performances that are both distinctive and powerful. Known for his ability to connect with people both on and off the stage, Young creates meaningful experiences for audiences and musicians alike.
In the 2024-2025 season, Young continues to make significant strides on the global stage, debuting with orchestras such as the BBC Concert Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony and the Iceland Symphony. This season also features other notable international debuts in Italy and Singapore. Additionally, he returns to American ensembles, including the Kansas City Symphony, Oregon Symphony, and Fort Wayne Philharmonic.
“Young led members of the Master Chorale in a spectacular rendering, their voices unearthly, sustained, and reaching a fever pitch that seemed to reverberate throughout the Cahuenga Pass.”
Young has become known for a wide breadth of repertoire, born out of a desire to tap into the full spectrum of American composition. Under Young’s baton, Copland, Bernstein, Joan Tower, and Carlos Simon receive artistic treatment equal to Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Mahler, Stravinsky, and Shostakovich.
In part due to this versatility, Young’s conducting résumé includes collaborations with a number of the world’s leading orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Detroit Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, Kansas City Symphony, Oregon Symphony, Finnish Chamber Orchestra, and Tapiola Sinfonietta. He regularly works with luminaries like John Williams and Gustavo Dudamel and has served as a cover conductor for the Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic, and Los Angeles Philharmonic. Other recent international highlights feature performances with the Aalborg Symphony in Denmark, the Hamilton Philharmonic in Canada, and the National Symphony Orchestra in Dublin.
“ A natural talent ... ”
In the U.S., Young's presence was notably felt during his impactful eight-year tenure with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. Starting as Assistant Conductor, he quickly rose to the position of Associate Conductor, where he led over 200 performances and was instrumental in founding the innovative “Music and Mixology” series, which continues to engage new audiences. His contributions were recognized with the Emerging Artist Award from Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne. Upon his move to Germany, his role evolved into the newly created position of Guest Conductor for Engagement, marking the culmination of his influential work with the Philharmonic.
“Guest conductor Caleb Young was water on stage, conducting with great fluidity and
incredible deftness.”
Recognized by Europe’s elite musical institutions, Young was named part of "the next generation of leaders in classical music" by Finland’s Fiskars Summer Festival in 2021. This honor included mentorship under maestros such as Esa-Pekka Salonen and Hannu Lintu and culminated in a critically acclaimed performance with the Finnish Chamber Orchestra. He was also awarded the 2016 Ansbacher Fellowship for Young Conductors, a prestigious accolade from the Salzburg Festival and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
A graduate of Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, Young holds a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting. His pedagogues include David Effron, Arthur Fagen and John Ratledge. As the founder of KammerMahler, Young recently led the ensemble in the world premiere recording of Klaus Simon's chamber arrangement of Mahler's Symphony No. 9.
During the pandemic, Young expanded his influence through "Classically Versed with Caleb Young," a radio show on National Public Radio that brings classical music to a broader audience with a fresh and engaging approach.
When conducting, Young exclusively wears Coregami performance attire.
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