About Orchestrating Change by Canton Symphony Orchestra
The Canton Symphony Orchestra recognizes the need for change within the classical music world. For too long, the traditions of this art form have overlooked many communities whose voices and contributions deserve to be heard.
As a regional orchestra, we believe that meaningful change begins right here – within our own community.
Through Orchestrating Change, we aim to open conversations that make the concert hall a more welcoming space for all, while fostering greater inclusion, representation, and diversity both on stage and beyond.
Episode 57 with Music Director Finalist Wesley Schulz
On today’s episode of Orchestrating Change, we welcome back Music Director finalist Wesley Schulz! Wesley first joined the CSO as a guest conductor for our 2025–2026 season concert, Six Strings & a Symphony. We were thrilled to welcome him back to kick off the 2026–2027 season with Dvořák’s New World Symphony.
Wesley Schulz is celebrated for his imaginative programming and heartfelt, energetic conducting style. Currently Music Director of the Auburn Symphony Orchestra (WA) and Principal Guest Conductor of the Pacific Northwest Ballet, he has also served as Associate Conductor of the North Carolina Symphony and appeared with orchestras across the country, including Seattle, Utah, Austin, and Canton. A passionate advocate for diversifying classical music and reaching wider audiences, Schulz has collaborated with renowned artists such as Tessa Lark, Leslie Odom Jr., John Williams, and Pink Martini. Outside of music, he enjoys CrossFit, snowboarding, cooking, and playing fetch with his dogs, Chewbacca and Han Solo.
Orchestrating Change is available on all podcasts platforms. Visit www.orchestratingchange.com for more episodes, or visit cantonsymphony.org to learn more about the Canton Symphony Orchestra.
22 Apr 2026
Episode 55 with Mélisse Brunet (pt.1)
On today’s episode of Orchestrating Change, we welcome Mélisse Brunet, who is serving as our guest conductor for MasterWorks VI: Brahms' A German Requim and is also a CSO Music Director finalist for the 2026-2027 season.
Renowned for her “uncommon emotional intensity” and commanding presence on the podium, conductor Mélisse Brunet is gaining international recognition across the U.S. and Europe. A Paris native with Spanish and Italian roots, she currently serves as Music Director of the Lexington Philharmonic—the first woman to hold the role—and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic. Brunet is also featured in the documentary Maestra, which follows her journey at the La Maestra competition and earned 2nd place in the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival Audience Award for Best Documentary, alongside widespread acclaim from major media outlets.
Orchestrating Change is available on all podcasts platforms. Visit www.orchestratingchange.com for more episodes, or visit cantonsymphony.org to learn more about the Canton Symphony Orchestra.
8 Apr 2026
Episode 54 with Darin Nissley
On today’s episode of Orchestrating Change we welcome Lighthouse Ministries Executive Director, Darin Nissley, who has been a longtime supporter and friend of the CSO.
Lighthouse Ministries has been serving the youth of Southeast Canton since 1996, providing a safe and supportive environment for children to learn, grow, and thrive. What began as a simple vision - a basketball court and teen center next to First Mennonite Church - quickly grew into a vibrant community program offering after-school care, tutoring, youth ministry clubs, summer enrichment, and service opportunities. Today, Lighthouse impacts dozens of children daily through its programming and is supported by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, continuing its mission to invest in the lives of young people and strengthen the community.
Learn more about Lighthouse Ministries at https://cantonlighthouse.org/
Orchestrating Change is available on all podcasts platforms. Visit www.orchestratingchange.com for more episodes, or visit cantonsymphony.org to learn more about the Canton Symphony Orchestra.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 18 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
13
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
60
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