Maestro Stephen Czarkowski is a distinguished conductor, cellist, and educator based in Washington, D.C., with an impressive and diverse portfolio in classical music and education. With nearly two decades of experience, Mr. Czarkowski has established himself as a powerhouse in the field of conducting. As of 2022, he serves as the Music Director and Conductor of the Central Pennsylvania Symphony, Director of Strings and Music Director of Symphonette at Landon School, and Music Director of the Frederick Regional Youth Orchestra.

During the Summer of 2025, Mr. Czarkowski was the featured guest conductor with SODELO (Southern Delaware Orchestra) in July, in concerts with Soprano Dr. Makeda Hampton, and conducted at the National Philharmonic Summer Strings Institute. During the Summer of 2026, he serves as Director of the Landon Summer Strings Camp and performs in a special concert with I Solisti di Katzen at American University. His leadership has impressed audiences at the National Symphony Orchestra under the guidance of Leonard Slatkin as part of the prestigious National Conducting Institute. His guest-conducting engagements include notable ensembles such as the Honolulu Symphony, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, the Symphony of the Potomac, and SODELO. During his eleven seasons with the Apollo Orchestra, Mr. Czarkowski collaborated with elite soloists, including members from the New York Philharmonic and the Washington National Opera. He delivered memorable performances at the Kennedy Center. Furthermore, for eight seasons, he contributed as the Assistant Conductor of the York Symphony, collaborating with esteemed Music Director Lawrence Golan in leading educational concerts and appearing 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, serves as Director of Strings and Music Director of Symphonette at Landon School. He has previously worked at the Norwood School and Georgetown Visitation School, where his ensembles earned Superior ratings at festivals. His youth ensembles have been recognized for performing at the Library of Congress, the Hershey Park Music Showcase Festival, the Maryland Theater, and the Orlando Music Festival. He has also conducted masterclasses at institutions such as 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 and serves on the Executive Council of the New School Alumni Council.

For more information please visit www.stephenczarkowski.com