Posted June 16, 2025
Isaac Selya and Maureen Hickey Haitch join DPAA as staff conductors for the 2025–2026 Season.
DAYTON, OH (June 16, 2025) — The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance (DPAA) is pleased to announce the appointment of two staff conductors for the 2025–2026 Season. These appointments follow the retirement of longtime conductor Dr. Patrick Reynolds, who concludes his distinguished tenure with the organization on June 30, 2025, after 25 years of service.
Maestro Isaac Selya joins DPAA as Interim Staff Conductor, serving as Cover Conductor for Dayton Philharmonic Music & Artistic Director Keitaro Harada. Selya is currently the Music Director of the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic and the Founder and Artistic Director of Queen City Opera in Cincinnati, Ohio. In addition to his responsibilities supporting Maestro Harada and guest conductors, Selya will lead the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra in several performances throughout the season as Principal Conductor. His scheduled appearances include:
Learning: Young People’s Concert: A Kaleidoscope of Sight and Sound, The Symphony of Self
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 11:30am
Ballet: The Nutcracker
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 2:30pm
Friday, December 19, 2025 at 7:30pm
Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 2:30pm and 7:30pm
Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 2:30pm
Monday, December 22, 2025 at 2:30pm
Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty
Friday, February 20 – Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 7:30pm
Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 2:30pm
Learning: Magic Carpet Concerts: Hansel & Gretel
Tuesday, February 24 – Thursday, February 26, 2026 at11:30am
Maestro Harada shares his enthusiasm about the appointment: “As I begin my first season as Music & Artistic Director of the Dayton Philharmonic, I am truly thankful to be joined by a fabulous colleague, Maestro Selya, who will serve as our Staff Conductor for 2025–2026. In addition to assisting me and our guest conductors, Maestro Selya will take the podium for many of the DPAA’s important programs. I have had the pleasure of knowing him for many years, and his ability to share the love of music is simply infectious. I have no doubt that the orchestra will enjoy making music with him, and I am certain our fans will be excited to see him on stage.”
While Maestro Selya serves as Interim Staff Conductor, DPAA will conduct a national search for a long-term Assistant or Associate Conductor.
DPAA also announces the appointment of Maestra Maureen Hickey Haitch as Conductor of the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (DPYO). Haitch has served as Conductor of the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Strings since July 1, 2024, and in the upcoming season, she expands her role to lead both the Youth Strings and the DPYO. In addition to her work with DPAA’s youth programs, Haitch will conduct the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra in a Young People’s Concert titled The Orchestra Swings on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 11:30am. Outside of her work with DPAA, Haitch serves as Cover Conductor for the Cincinnati Community Orchestra.