YOUNGSTOWN - Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra has had to replace a conductor for an upcoming concert. 

Music Director Sergey Bogza is unable to be with the orchestra Saturday, October 5, so the symphony has replaced him with Edward Leonard of Pittsburgh. 

Youngstown Symphony Society's artistic services manager Kelly Sullivan told 21 News that the change is due to "unforeseen circumstances" and that they plan for Bogza to join the symphony for the rest of the season as scheduled. 

Edward Leonard, who will fill in for Bogza Saturday night, was born in Charleston, South Carolina,  studied violin starting at age four and later studied piano. He holds a Bachelor’s in Piano Performance from the College of Charleston and a Master’s in Orchestral Conducting from Carnegie Mellon University. 

Now residing in Pittsburgh, Leonard has conducted various ensembles, including the Pittsburgh Philharmonic, the Opera Theater of Pittsburgh, and founded The Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh. Leonard is also active with youth orchestras, including the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Youth Chamber Connection at Chautauqua Institute.

You can see the symphony's full 2024-2025 schedule here.