Paul Haas Named Fourth Music Director and Conductor

JACKSON, TN, May 6, 2025 — The Jackson Symphony has named acclaimed conductor and composer Paul Haas as its new music director. Haas, known for his innovative artistry and community-focused leadership, becomes the fourth music director in the organization’s history.

“We are thrilled to welcome Paul Haas to Jackson,” said Greg Alexander, president of the board of directors for The Jackson Symphony Association. “His artistic vision, proven record of organizational growth, and deep commitment to community make him the ideal choice to lead the Symphony into its next chapter.”

Dr. Patrick Teer, chairman of the conductor search committee, said Haas stood out among a highly competitive pool of candidates.

“From the beginning, Paul impressed us with his passion, creativity and clear commitment to engaging both musicians and audiences,” Teer said. “He brings not only extraordinary talent, but also a thoughtful and inspiring approach to music-making that aligns beautifully with our mission and vision for the future.”

Haas is currently concluding a remarkable 15-year tenure as music director of the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas (SoNA), where the organization has tripled its budget, launched highly regarded education programs, and consistently performed to sold-out audiences under his leadership. He recently completed a transformative tenure with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra in Ontario, eliminating a long-standing deficit and helping the orchestra build more than $500,000 in reserves.

Haas has conducted and composed for major venues across North America, including New York’s Park Avenue Armory and San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral. He is the founder of Sympho, a collective known for immersive musical performances in unconventional spaces. His creative work has been praised by outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The San Francisco Chronicle for concerts that “resonate deeply” with performers and audiences alike. Haas is also known for his work in alternative and pops programming, having created original productions that blend orchestral music with visual art, film and theater.

In addition to conducting, Haas is a composer, educator and arts advocate. Under his leadership, SoNA launched both its highly successful in-school mentorship initiative and an El Sistema-inspired pilot program for at-risk youth. He previously served as music director for the New York Youth Symphony and as longstanding conductor of the Boston University Tanglewood Institute’s Young Artists Orchestra—two of the country’s top youth ensembles.

“I’m honored and energized to be joining The Jackson Symphony,” Haas said. “This is an orchestra with deep roots and tremendous potential. I look forward to collaborating with the board, staff, musicians and community to expand our impact and create unforgettable musical experiences.”

A graduate of Yale University and the Juilliard School, Haas has held additional conducting positions with the Brooklyn Philharmonic and the National Symphony Orchestra and served as a guest conductor for orchestras across the country, including the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, the Indianapolis Symphony, and the Omaha Symphony. He has received multiple awards from ASCAP and the League of American Orchestras for his innovative and educational programming.

“Jackson is a city rich in cultural heritage,” Haas said. “With the Symphony performing at the Carl Perkins Civic Center—a venue named for one of music’s greats—I see endless opportunities to honor that legacy while charting bold new artistic paths.”

Haas’ first concert as music director will be Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, opening night for The Jackson Symphony’s 65th season.

Media Contact:

Tracey King

(731) 427-6440