The Kentucky Symphony Orchestra’s founder, music director, and executive director brings more than four decades of professional experience as an educator, arts administrator, and conductor to the organization. Under his leadership, the KSO in 28 years has grown 35-fold in budget, launched free summer and education concert series, and expanded the orchestra’s range of musical offerings by developing several subsidiary groups specializing in various musical genres, including jazz, pop, rock, country, and R&B. Cassidy and the KSO are now recognized around the globe for crafting unique and engaging thematic programs, premieres, and collaborations. 

A Florida native, Cassidy was previously music director of the Florida Ballet Theatre, Tampa Chamber Symphony, and Tampa Bay Youth Orchestra. He has conducted for the Florida and St. Petersburg opera companies, and he led the world premiere production of Rise for Freedom: The John P. Parker Story for Cincinnati Opera. 

Cassidy holds degrees from the University of South Florida and the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. He lives in Newport with his wife, Angela, son, Devlin, and dog, Seamus.