Thayer Symphony Orchestra's Artistic Director, Toshimasa Francis Wada, was born in 1945 in Kiryu, Gumna, Japan, 85 miles northwest of Tokyo.  As a young child, his interests were mainly in painting, woodcarving, and drawing.  His drawings won over 30 awards, including a national honor.  His musical talent was discovered by his junior high school music teacher Mr. Hoshino, who offered him instruction in voice, piano, flute, and music theory.  During his junior year in high school, young Toshimasa took over all rehearsals for the Kiryu Senior High School Band, and as a senior he became Choir Director of the Kiryu Catholic Church.  Although his parents disapproved of his pursuit of a career in music, he followed his dream of becoming a musician and music educator, auditioning for the prestigious Japanese Ground Self Defense Band Music School, where he received highest honors upon graduation and was on the “To Tell the Truth” television program.

Arriving in the United States in 1966, Wada’s dream to study music was shattered by a demanding sponsor family having to work day and night for seven months.  Even so, he managed to join the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, and auditioned at The Catholic University of America School of Music in 1967, where he was awarded scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate studies.  During his junior year in college, Dr. Robert Garofalo discovered Wada's conducting talent, and he was granted early admission into the graduate conducting class.  During his Master's Degree program Wada trained in orchestral, opera, and ballet conducting and spent a year at The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.  Upon graduation Wada was offered a teaching position at Chatham Borough Middle and High School where he taught Chorus and Marching Band for six years. In 1979 joined the faculty of the Union College Music Department in Lincoln, Nebraska.  While at Union College, Maestro Wada guest conducted the Nebraska Chamber Orchestra, the Lincoln Civic Orchestra, and the Lincoln Youth Symphony.  He founded The Great Plains Concert Band and served as clinician for the Mid-America Academy Music Festivals.

In 1981 and 1982, Wada was one of twelve finalists chosen from over 50 applicants to be admitted to the International Orchestra Conductors Institute Master Class, where he studied with Maestro Herbert Blomstedt.  Blomstedt at that time was the conductor of the world's oldest orchestra, the Dresden Staatskapelle; and as Maestro Blomstedt's protege Wada toured with them during their second United States tour in 1983.  Upon the conclusion of the tour Wada received an official invitation to reside and continue studying conducting in Dresden, East Germany as their guest.

That same year, Maestro Wada relocated to Massachusetts where he became the third Conductor and Music Director of Thayer Conservatory Orchestra (as today's TSO was then named) and joined the Music Department faculty at Atlantic Union College in South Lancaster.  He served as Director of the Thayer Conservatory of Music's Preparatory Division and in 1986 Maestro Wada joined the faculty at Holy Cross College where he directed the Chamber Orchestra and Chamber Players.  In 1988 he joined Clark University as Director of their orchestra.  Maestro Wada became a regular guest conductor of the Worcester County Music Festival, where he created "Salute to Young Artists" which was hailed as "the finest program this reviewer has ever experienced" by the Worcester Telegram and Gazette.

During his 25 year association with TSO, Maestro Wada has led the organization to greater heights with each passing year.  His leadership resulted in the changing of the orchestra's name from "Thayer Conservatory Orchestra" to "Thayer Symphony Orchestra" which far better reflects the critically acclaimed professionalism he has brought to the podium.  Maestro Wada was instrumental in the formation of TSO's "The Music Connection" which sends musicians into elementary school classrooms throughout the region to expose children to the wonders of symphonic music.  In September of 2002, Maestro Wada realized a life-long dream with the establishment of Thayer Symphony Orchestra's Community Music School, which provides music education opportunities for all ages.

In addition to his work with Thayer Symphony Orchestra, Maestro Wada has been very active in the community at large, having served as a panelist for the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a member of the Leominster Cultural Council, a board member of the United Way of North Central Massachusetts, a director of the MultiService Center in Leominster, a director of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Fitchburg Millennium Community Committee.  He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Workers' Credit Union.  His commitment to civic involvement has resulted in Maestro Wada’s being recognized as one of "100 Who Have Made a Difference" by Fitchburg State College, where he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in 2004.  In 2002, Wada received the MultiService Center's Dr. Robert H. Goldman Award for Community Service, and he has also been awarded the prestigious Blue Diamond Award from the Credit Union National Association's Volunteer Leadership Program.  He is only the ninth credit union director in Massachusetts to be honored with this award. Worcester Telegram and Gazette honored him with “Cultural Enrichment Award” in the 2005 Visions Award which was presented by Sen. John Kerry. In 2006 the AMVETS of Massachusetts presented “Pilgrim’s Award in Child Welfare”.

At the recent Holiday Pops concert, the Maestro surprised and delighted the TSO audience with his first ever public appearance as a vocalist, joining guest soloist Renese King for a duet.  In her introduction of Wada, King proclaimed from the stage "We've discovered the fourth tenor!"  At the Spring 2003 Pops concert, he played harmonica with Mike Turk.  Maestro Wada, a veteran of the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force, now performs regularly with the Leominster-based International Veterans Chorus. 

In his spare time, Maestro Wada enjoys spending time with his 5 children and 9 grandchildren, riding his motorcycle, fishing and playing golf.  This is his 27th season with TSO!

Maestro Wada has accepted a position to become the Music Director and Conductor of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra in Punta Gorda, Florida this season while he continues his concerts with TSO for the main subscription series and the new summer home “Brooks Pond Series”.