The conductor of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra has been awarded The American Prize in Orchestral Programming, which recognizes the best music director in the United States.

Matthew Wardell was awarded The American Prize – Vytautas Marjiosius Memorial Award in Orchestral Programming on August 7 as part of The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts.

Billed as the “nation’s most comprehensive series of contests in the performing arts,” The American Prize is designed to recognize and reward the “best-performing artists, directors, ensembles and composers in the United States” at professional, community, collegiate, and high school levels. All contestants are judged based on submitted recordings.

In the category of orchestral programing, the prize recognizes the “selection of repertoire by knowledgeable, creative and courageous music directors” who try and build “orchestras and audiences” that educate the youth and “enrich the community.”

“Matthew Wardell is a conductor known for his charisma, versatility, and ability to captivate audiences with joy and presence,” reads a statement from the nonprofit.

The organization goes on to highlight that Wardell has conducted more than 400 works and led 16 staged productions “from the pit” for “large-scale opera, musical theatre, and ballet works.”

In a statement posted on social media, Wardell expressed a sense of pride in his ability to “connect.”

“Programming is such an important part of the job as a conductor and music director. It’s a place where I’ve always felt we can truly connect with our communities, put a unique and personal touch on our music-making, and impact our field by highlighting new or lesser-known works and composers,” said Wardell.

A former Ocala City Council member, Wardell was appointed Director of Orchestras at the University of South Florida in Tampa earlier this year.

“With that said, I’m really honored to have been named the winner of The American Prize: Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award in Orchestral Programming for my work with the Ocala Symphony,” said Wardell.

To read more about the conductor, visit the Matthew Wardell website.