The Hotchkiss Philharmonic Orchestra brings its 2025–2026 season to a celebratory close on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in Katherine M. Elfers Hall, Esther Eastman Music Center at The Hotchkiss School. This special season finale will honor the retirement of Head of School Craig W. Bradley, marking the occasion with an evening of music and community.

The program features works by Fauré, Mozart, and Beethoven, performed by the Hotchkiss Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of internationally acclaimed conductor Neil Thomson. The performance will also feature clarinetist Matthew Yao ‘19 and the Hotchkiss Chorus.

Conductor Neil Thomson brings a distinguished international career to the podium, having led major orchestras across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. He currently serves as Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Goiás Philharmonic Orchestra in Brazil and has recorded extensively for Naxos Records. Thomson previously served as Head of Conducting at the Royal College of Music and trained at the Tanglewood Music Center.

Originally from Hong Kong, Matthew Yao began his clarinet studies at age 11 and is a member of the Hotchkiss Class of 2019. He served as Principal Clarinet during his time at Hotchkiss and participated in early Philharmonic concerts, later earning his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music in 2023 and completing a master’s degree at the Royal Academy of Music in 2025, where he is currently pursuing a Professional Diploma. He has performed with ensembles including the Royal Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra and the University of London Symphony Orchestra and has attended festivals such as Interlochen Arts Camp and the Hotchkiss in Florence program.

Founded in 2018 through the generosity of Barbara Walsh Hostetter ’77 and Amos Hostetter, the Hotchkiss Philharmonic Orchestra uniquely brings together professional musicians and talented Hotchkiss students. The ensemble offers young artists a rare opportunity to perform alongside world-class artists, enriching both their musical development and the cultural life of the Hotchkiss community.

Admission is free and open to the public