David Hattner
Fall Concert - November 19, 2023
Biography Below
Conductor David Hattner, hailed by The New York Times as “calmly authoritative,” and The Chicago Tribune as “brilliant in all departments,” is a maestro like no other. With a musical intelligence that soars and a technique that dazzles, Hattner brings an infectious energy to the podium. But don’t be fooled by his animated exterior; beneath it lies an inner calm and polish that sets him apart.
As the Musical Director of the prestigious Portland Youth Philharmonic, the nation’s oldest youth orchestra, Hattner makes history as the first American-born conductor to take the helm in its 93-year legacy. His passion for American repertoire shines through, with over 75 orchestral works by 45 American composers under his baton. Critics applaud his programming as “especially attractive.”
Hattner’s recent seasons have been a whirlwind of debut performances and guest appearances, from the Phoenix Symphony to the Olympia Symphony. He’s known for his knack for forming orchestras from scratch, a talent that lands him at numerous summer festivals.
Mastering repertoire under pressure is Hattner’s forte, earning him a reputation as a dependable substitute conductor. His skill in directing diverse ensembles shines brightly in his flawless performance of Richard Einhorn’s Voices of Light alongside silent film, earning praise from soprano Susan Narucki for his ability to create an atmosphere where performers shine.
But Hattner’s talents don’t end on the podium. He’s an accomplished clarinetist, having trained under the legendary Robert Marcellus. From live radio broadcasts to roles as principal clarinetist in various orchestras, his musical prowess knows no bounds.
An honors graduate of Northwestern University and a Conducting Fellow at the American Academy of Conducting at Aspen under the guidance of David Zinman and Murry Sidlin, Hattner’s journey through the world of music is nothing short of extraordinary. With Hattner, every performance is a magical journey, where music lovers revel in the joy of music-making.
