Conversations with Alexander Tseitlin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexander Tseitlin.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started? 
The California Young Artists Symphony was launched in 2021 with the mission of bridging pre-professional artists to the professional world. 

The orchestra, comprised of the most accomplished and competitive musicians hailing from the Colburn Conseratory, USC, UCLA, CSUN, and many other universities from Orange County to Santa Barbara, brings a level of virtuosity and passion to the stage unique to CYAS. CYAS also hosts exceptional pre-college musicians venturing into the realm of professional music. These young musicians play alongside internationally acclaimed orchestral leaders, soloists, and directors from around the world. 

CYAS is an electrifying experience for audience and musician alike, as some of the most exceptional orchestral musicians in the southern California region bring to life the greatest masterpieces of music literature. 

In a few short years, CYAS has grown to undertake the largest repertoire in music, performing works such as Mahler’s First Symphony, Bruckner’s Fourth Symphony, Messiaen’s Forgotten Offerings, and Stravinsky’s monumental Rite of Spring. 

CYAS looks forward to rewarding the commitment of the young artists of our generation with unparalleled guidance and sending them into the world they will inevitably shape with their art. CYAS has no principal conductor but invites renowned conductors and guest artists, cultivating an experience of unique and varying interpretations for each performance and season. 

CYAS is led and directed by Alexander Tseitlin. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Launching a symphonic organization of this caliber is a monumental undertaking. From creating the infrastructure, logistical support, and administrative staff to raising donations to fund the fellowships of the artists we champion, we’ve put our hearts into getting this organization off the ground. 

As many challenges as we’ve had, we’ve been humbled by the support we’ve received by our growing Founder’s Board and supporter community, focusing on cultivating new arts supporters, many from the medical, finance, and security fields. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I (Alexander Tseitlin) spent my early years studying as a violinist, performing, competing, and collaborating with artists that I found were authentic and virtuosic. I spent time at UCLA and USC became inspired by the conductors and composers, and delved into leading ensembles and composing classical and film works. 

I found myself spending my early professional years deep in the intricacies of pedagogy, developing accomplished students in all string and keyboard instruments to concert performance levels. This deeper understanding of technique and musical development gave me a broader understanding of small and large ensembles. 

I’m most fascinated by the organism that is the symphony orchestra. It is truly a joy to guide musicians in bringing their individual artistic contribution to great symphonic literature. It is truly profound to see an ensemble find the unique and authentic voice that only develops when every member contributes technically and emotionally with mutual respect for the other members, their visions, and the gravity of the music they undertake. 

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
The future of music is bright. I’m ever inspired by the next generation of artists coming into the field today. 

Our current state of the arts calls for a broad understanding of the field. Musicians are challenged to go beyond the technical requirements of their instruments to be scholars, creators, entrepreneurs, and innovators. I couldn’t be more excited by the caliber of young artists I see entering the field. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cyasymphony.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyasymphony/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cyasymphony