Meet the Music Directors Behind the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and Jazz Orchestra
October gives us two reasons to celebrate at the Springfield Symphony.
This month marks the birthdays of Peter Stafford Wilson, Music Director and Conductor of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, and Todd Stoll, Director of the Springfield Symphony Jazz Orchestra.
While they lead two very different ensembles, both have helped bring live music to audiences in Springfield, Ohio. Their work also extends far beyond the concert stage through music education and opportunities for young musicians.
In honor of their birthday month, we are taking a closer look at the two directors behind the music.
Peter Stafford Wilson: Leading the Springfield Symphony Orchestra Since 2002
Peter Stafford Wilson became the eighth Music Director of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra in 2002 following a national search.
During his time with the SSO, Peter has led traditional symphonic concerts as well as programs created specifically around the Springfield community.
Early in his tenure, he created two multimedia symphonic experiences: Agriculture and the Arts Growing Together and American Made: Celebrating Our Manufacturing Heritage. He later collaborated with the Astronomy Department at Wittenberg University on a multidisciplinary production of Gustav Holst's The Planets.
His work in Springfield also includes a strong focus on music education.
Peter leads the Symphony's annual Concerts for Young People and maintains involvement with the Springfield Youth Symphony. He also helped create the Springfield Symphony's partnership with the Clark County Public Library known as Tunes-n-Tales, which combines music and literature for young audiences.
Outside Springfield, Peter concurrently serves as Music Director of the Westerville Symphony and Guest Conductor of the Kansas City Ballet. He recently completed a 10-season tenure as Principal Conductor of the Tulsa Ballet.
His conducting work has included the Philadelphia Ballet, Oklahoma City Ballet, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company and BalletMet Columbus. He has also received conducting invitations from orchestras and ballet companies in the United States, Europe, Asia and South America.
Peter currently serves on the Board of Directors for the International Conductors Guild, where he is co-chair of the Mentorship Committee.
Todd Stoll: Bringing Jazz to Springfield and Beyond
The Springfield Symphony Jazz Orchestra has a much shorter history than the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, but Todd Stoll has been part of it from the beginning.
The Springfield Symphony Jazz Orchestra was founded in 2019 under Todd's direction.
A Springfield native, Todd has spent three decades working as an educator, administrator, performer and conductor. His career has taken him to four continents and 22 countries.
After a 20-year career as an educator and band leader in central Ohio, Todd joined Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City in 2011, where he serves as Vice President of Education.
During his time there, Jazz at Lincoln Center has produced more than 25,000 education events in the United States and abroad. Its Essentially Ellington high school jazz band program has also expanded during his tenure, providing 300,000 free scores to nearly 7,000 high schools in all 50 states and 57 countries.
Todd's work with young musicians began well before his time at Jazz at Lincoln Center.
In 1991, he founded the Columbus Jazz Youth Orchestra to give young musicians opportunities to experience jazz through performance. He directed the group until 2011. During that time, the ensemble released six CDs, received a DownBeat award, and toured Europe and South America.
Todd is also an experienced performer and Duke Ellington expert. He has performed with ensembles across several genres and can be heard on SiriusXM radio with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
He holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and a Bachelor of Music degree from Miami University.
Two Directors. Two Musical Traditions. One Springfield.
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1943 and has been bringing symphonic music to the community for more than 80 years.
The Springfield Symphony Jazz Orchestra joined the organization in 2019, adding another musical tradition to Springfield's live music offerings.
Today, Peter Stafford Wilson leads the Springfield Symphony Orchestra while Todd Stoll leads the Springfield Symphony Jazz Orchestra.
That means audiences in Springfield can experience everything from major orchestral works to big band jazz, all through the Springfield Symphony organization.
Their work also shares another connection: music education.
Peter's work includes Concerts for Young People, the Springfield Youth Symphony and Tunes-n-Tales. Todd's career has included decades of jazz education through programs including the Columbus Jazz Youth Orchestra and Jazz at Lincoln Center.
For both directors, teaching and introducing music to younger generations have been significant parts of their careers.
Celebrating Peter and Todd This October
This October, we are happy to celebrate the birthdays of two people who spend so much of their year making music happen for others.
Peter Stafford Wilson continues his work with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra during the 2026–2027 season, while Todd Stoll leads another season of performances with the Springfield Symphony Jazz Orchestra.
If you see Peter or Todd at a rehearsal, concert, or around Springfield this month, be sure to wish them a happy birthday.
And if you really want to celebrate with them, there may be no better way than joining us for some live music in Springfield, Ohio.
Explore upcoming performances from the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and Springfield Symphony Jazz Orchestra at springfieldsym.org.
