The Cleveland Orchestra has announced the appointment of three new members to its artistic and creative team for the upcoming 2025-26 season. Taichi Fukumura will join as assistant conductor, James Feddeck will serve as principal conductor and musical advisor for the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra (COYO), and Tyler Taylor has been appointed as the Daniel R. Lewis Composer Fellow.
These appointments underscore the Orchestra’s commitment to innovation, community engagement, and musical excellence. Fukumura brings a strong background as a conductor, having previously served as assistant conductor for the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and as music director for the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. Feddeck, a familiar figure in Cleveland’s music scene, returns to lead COYO and will also conduct several programs with The Cleveland Orchestra. Taylor, a composer-performer and teaching artist, will engage with both the main orchestra and COYO during his three-year fellowship, which includes composing new works and leading workshops.
The new members are expected to contribute significantly to the Orchestra’s artistic vision and outreach efforts. Fukumura will support Music Director Franz Welser-Möst and other guest conductors, while also leading family and community concerts. Feddeck’s return to COYO marks a continuation of his impactful work with the youth ensemble, including leading its first international tour in previous years. Taylor’s residency as a composer fellow signifies the Orchestra’s dedication to nurturing new musical voices and integrating contemporary composition into its programming.
Source: https://files.baskercdn.com/clevelandorchestra/files/2025-26 New Assistant Conductor, COYO Director, Composing Fellow.pdf