September 2024 marked a special milestone for the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra as Maestro Norman Huynh began his fifth season as music director. Since being chosen in 2020 from six finalists out of 238 applicants, the orchestra’s first Asian-American conductor has made a profound impact, drawing new audiences and elevating the Symphony to unprecedented heights.

As Music Director, Norman curates each season’s repertoire, rehearses the ensemble, and brings every performance to life with his distinct vision. His passion for music, combined with his industry acumen, has steered the Bozeman Symphony to new levels of excellence. Under his vibrant leadership, the Symphony has expanded from three to ten full-time staff members and had tremendous growth in its subscriber base and ticket sales.

Norman’s tenure was recently extended through the 2028-29 season, cementing his long-term commitment to the orchestra. Since his arrival, the Symphony has experienced record success, growing from 881 to over 1,325 subscribers, with ticket revenue soaring over 200 percent. Increased demand from audiences eager to experience the artistry that Norman brings to Bozeman has led to the launch of three- and four-show weekends.

“It’s incredibly fulfilling to perform with such talented musicians and for a community that deeply values classical music,” Norman reflects. “I’m continually moved by the way our audiences respond to the music—it’s an emotional experience for us all.”

Norman has earned widespread acclaim for his dynamic conducting style, innovative programming, and his ability to connect with both seasoned and new concertgoers. His leadership has not only redefined the Symphony’s artistic direction but has also expanded its reach within the community. The conductor’s programming reflects Bozeman’s cultural fabric, enriching concertgoers’ experiences and ensuring the Bozeman Symphony remains an integral part of the region’s arts scene.

Concert attendees often praise Norman’s charisma on stage, enjoying his engaging commentary from the podium and spirited presence during performances. His baton moves expeditiously, mirroring his energetic style, while his passion for the music radiates through every note the orchestra plays.

Under his guidance, the Symphony has expanded its offerings to include pops and movie-music concerts, alongside its core classical repertoire. Guest artists from around the world have graced the stage, bringing their talents to Bozeman’s vibrant music scene.

While embracing new forms of symphonic performance, Norman remains deeply committed to classical music as the foundation of the Symphony’s work. “Each concert is a unique experience,” he says. “There’s an irreplaceable power in live music, and when audiences are deeply moved, it’s a moment that stays with them forever.”

Board of Directors Chair Ben Phinney applauds Norman’s transformational impact: “Norman is an exceptional talent, and we are fortunate to have him. His leadership has brought a warmth and depth to our music-making that is truly inspiring.”

Looking to the future, Norman envisions the Bozeman Symphony becoming a household name in Montana. The remarkable growth in subscribers and ticket sales supports this vision, as the community rallies around the orchestra’s mission. Sold-out concerts have become so common that additional performances have been implemented to meet demand. Under Norman’s direction, the Symphony has also become a leader in commissioning new works and collaborating with renowned soloists.

Norman’s goals for the Symphony extend beyond the concert hall. He’s focused on building a high-caliber orchestra with full-time musicians and strengthening community engagement through programs like Far Afield, Joy and Access Concerts, Symphony Storytimes, and KinderKonzerts. These initiatives bring music to underserved communities, schools, and rural areas, reinforcing the Symphony’s role in enriching lives through music.

A longtime advocate for a state-of-the-art concert hall, Norman envisions a venue in Bozeman that reflects the growing cultural stature of the region.

The Bozeman Symphony currently performs at the Willson Auditorium, a former middle school auditorium with limited space and acoustics. Norman is working with other arts organizations to make this dream a reality, aiming for a facility that will serve as a cultural hub for Montana.

In the next decade, Norman sees the Bozeman Symphony as one of the West’s most ambitious orchestras. “Bozeman is home to an extraordinary community of artists, and we have the potential to create something truly impactful,” he says. “I’m excited to see where we can take this Symphony—and the arts in Montana.”

Outside the Symphony, Norman maintains an active schedule as a guest conductor with orchestras across the nation, including the New York Philharmonic, Seattle Symphony, and Minnesota Orchestra, among others. In his downtime, he enjoys stargazing, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with his wife, Catherine Young, and their infant son, Romeo.

Reflecting on his journey, Norman shares: “Music elevates, inspires, and tells our stories. The Bozeman Symphony has made such an incredible impact on this community, and I’m honored to be part of that story.”