L.A. conductor in D.C. program

Los Angeles freelance conductor Shenyeh, 35, is one of four participants selected for the prestigious fourth annual National Conducting Institute training program presented by the National Symphony and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The four were picked for the workshop from 140 applicants worldwide.

Born in Hunan, China, Shen- yeh studied violin at the Shanghai Conservatory, came to the United States in 1986 and joined the Houston Symphony in 1995. But after two years of playing, he couldn’t move his left shoulder. He had herniated three discs. “It was very tragic for me,” he said. “I had dreams of pursuing my career further.”

He turned to conducting, making his debut in Houston in 1999. In Washington, he’ll learn more about the ins-and-outs of the trade, working with music director Leonard Slaktin and conducting the orchestra June 21.

Married to Elizabeth Cook-Shen, second horn with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Shenyeh commuted five years between Houston and Los Angeles. He moved here in 2001, but he has not yet conducted any orchestra in California.

As for the future, “I’ll be looking for a position,” he said. “In fact, I am looking for a position right now.”

-- Chris Pasles