Conductors

Bernard Klinger
Mr. Klinger taught strings and orchestra in the Chappaqua Central School District from 1979 to 2005. A graduate of Hart College of Music with Bachelor’s Degrees in music education and viola performance, he also has an M.A. degree in music education from Columbia University Teachers College. Mr. Klinger has been conducting the GWYOA Elementary Strings since 1997.

Jacqueline Stern
Ms. Stern is a graduate of Ithaca College where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in music education. She also holds a Master’s Degree in performance from the Manhattan School of Music. She currently conducts the orchestras at the Green Meadow Waldorf School. Ms. Stern joined the GWYOA as conductor of the Elementary Strings in 1983. She has been serving in her current role as Conductor of the Junior Strings since 1997.

Vincent Lionti
A former student of the GWYOA orchestras, Mr. Lionti holds Bachelor’s of Music and Master of Music degrees from the Juilliard School. He has been a member of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra since 1987. Mr. Lionti started conducting the GWYOA Youth Symphony 1997, taking over the baton from his father Victor Lionti, who had conducted the group for over 27 years.

Victor Lionti
Mr. Lionti taught at Hartford High School, White Plains High School, and Kent State University. He was on the faculty of Westchester Community College for 25 years where he served as Music Curriculum Chairman and remains as Professor Emeritus and Adjunct Professor of Music. He was also Music Director of the Aaron Copland Music and Arts Program in Westchester County. Mr. Lionti presently serves as coordinator and conductor of the GWYOA Youth Symphony.