Hastings Symphony Orchestra introduces new conductor

HASTINGS, Neb. — A veteran conductor with vast experience at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will be the new person leading the Hastings Symphony Orchestra.

The orchestra’s board of directors announced Tuesday that Dr. Tyler White is the new conductor. White has served as director of orchestras at UNL since 1994. He also served as resident conductor for Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra from 2000-2019.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Tyler White join the Hastings Symphony Orchestra,” said Bruce Batterson, acting president of the orchestra’s board of directors. “We know that he will be a great asset to the orchestra and the community.”

White replaces Dr. Byron Jensen, who conducted the orchestra for the past 20 years. Jensen studied under White’s father.

White has some previous experience with the Hastings Symphony Orchestra. He composed the work “Flyover Country” in 2015 and guest conducted a performance of the piece in 2021.

“I am thrilled to be working with the orchestra and the community,” White said. “I believe that the Hastings Symphony Orchestra has a bright future, and I am honored to be a part of it.”

The Hastings Symphony Orchestra has performed since 1925, which, according to a news release, makes it one of the oldest continuously operated community orchestras in the nation.

The 98th season of the orchestra starts in September.