Under the leadership of acclaimed Maestro Stephen Czarkowski, the Central Pennsylvania Symphony, a non-profit organization, is embarking on its 35th season of delivering a varied repertoire of classical and modern symphonic music.
About the Symphony
Our Mission
The Central Pennsylvania Symphony serves our community by providing a varied repertoire of high-quality classical, modern, and popular symphonic music in a manner that is accessible to diverse audiences.
For over thirty years, our dedicated and talented musicians have entertained audiences and captured the imaginations of people of all ages across central Pennsylvania. Research has proven that the arts uniquely provides social and academics benefits, throughout a person’s school, work, and life.
The Central Pennsylvania Symphony is a non-profit organization striving to be the best volunteer symphony orchestra in the region while providing cultural experiences to our community.
Maestro Stephen Czarkowski is a distinguished conductor, cellist, and educator based in Washington, D.C., boasting an impressive and diverse portfolio in the classical music and education fields.
With nearly two decades of experience, Mr. Czarkowski has established himself as a powerhouse in the conducting world. As of 2022, he serves as the Music Director and Conductor of the Central Pennsylvania Symphony and Principal Guest Conductor of the Newark Symphony Orchestra. During the summer of 2025, Mr. Czarkowski will be the guest conductor with SODELO (Southern Delaware Orchestra) in July Summer concerts and is the Director of Strings Camps at Landon School, as well as a conductor at the National Philharmonic Summer Strings Institute. His leadership has impressed audiences at the National Symphony Orchestra under Leonard Slatkin as part of the prestigious National Conducting Institute. His guest conducting engagements include notable ensembles such as the Honolulu Symphony, Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Symphony of the Potomac, and SODELO. During his eleven seasons with the Apollo Orchestra, Mr. Czarkowski collaborated with top soloists, including members from the New York Philharmonic and the Washington National Opera, delivering memorable performances at the Kennedy Center. Additionally, for eight seasons, he made significant contributions as the Assistant Conductor of the York Symphony, working alongside esteemed Music Director Lawrence Golan to lead educational concerts and perform in subscription concerts.
As a cellist, Mr. Czarkowski excels as both a soloist and a member of the Tryos Ensemble, performing with celebrated trumpeter Neil Brown. He is a graduate of the Catholic University of America, where he earned a Graduate Artist Diploma in Orchestral Conducting, in addition to holding a Master's degree in Cello Performance and Conducting and a Bachelor's Degree in Cello from Mannes College, studying under the esteemed Carter Brey, Principal Cellist of the New York Philharmonic.
In his educational pursuits, Mr. Czarkowski leads the Frederick Regional Youth Orchestra, the Symphonette at Landon School, and orchestras at Landon School. He has previously worked with Norwood School and Georgetown Visitation School, where his ensembles earned a Superior rating in festivals. His youth ensembles have been recognized for performing at the Library of Congress, Hershey Park Music Showcase Festival, Maryland Theater, and Orlando Music Festival. He has also conducted masterclasses at prestigious institutions, including West Point Military Academy, The Catholic University of America, and schools across Howard and Loudoun Counties.
Beyond his musical achievements, Czarkowski is an active member of the International Conductors' Guild Board of Directors. He also contributes to the New School Alumni Council and the Paper Bag Mask Foundation Board of Directors.
For more information, please visit
stephenczarkowski.com