Meet The Conductor – Beth Dzwil

Beth Dzwil never planned to become a conductor. In fact, she never wanted to be one! Trained as a violist and chamber musician, Beth found her way to the podium through her work as a teacher. “I guess you could say conducting chose me,” she says.

And for the musicians of Philadelphia Sinfonia Strings (PSS), that’s a very good thing.

What makes Beth’s approach to conducting special is her belief in the potential of every musician. “I believe there is light in everyone,” she explains, a conviction that shapes everything she does, whether working with young students or seasoned professionals.

Rather than taking a top-down approach, Beth sees music-making as a collaboration built on mutual respect and trust. She believes that when musicians feel supported and valued, they’re more willing to be vulnerable, take creative risks, and express themselves fully. It’s in that atmosphere, she says, that the most expressive music-making becomes possible.

And the inspiration goes both ways. When PSS musicians last spring asked to perform Joe Hisaishi’s “Merry-Go-Round of Life” from the Studio Ghibli film Howl’s Moving Castle, their enthusiasm for the music inspired Beth as well.

With such a wide appreciation for music, choosing a favorite composer is nearly impossible. Beth compares it to choosing a favorite child! But if she could spend an afternoon with any musician, she’d love to chat and play chamber music with Yo-Yo Ma.

One of her funniest musical memories came when she first heard one of her recordings on the radio. Waiting at a toll booth, she became so excited that she accidentally bumped the car in front of her!

Outside of conducting, Beth plays viola with the Fairmount String Quartet and enjoys hiking, running, gardening, cooking, baking, reading, and puzzles.

And if music hadn’t been her calling? She might have become a chemist!

Fortunately, conducting chose Beth, and PSS is all the richer for it.