Joseph Stepec, an associate professor of music at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, has been named to the 2024 40 under 40 list by Pacific Business News.
Stepec serves as the music director of the UH Mānoa Symphony Orchestra, director of the Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony’s Symphony Program and artistic director of the Pacific Music Institute.
He was recognized alongside the other recipients at a ceremony on August 29, at the ʻAlohilani Resort Waikiki Beach.
“I feel very honored to be among so many leaders in our wonderful state of Hawaiʻi,” Stepec said. “I’ve been very active in the community since I came to Hawaiʻi eight years ago. Specifically, this award is being given to me to acknowledge my work with the Youth Symphony. I work with youth across the state and many of them come to UH after working with me so I get to see them thrive.”
The 2024 40 under 40 class marks the 25th year of the award, and recipients represent a variety of industries, including restaurants, finance, nonprofits, retail, travel and more. The annual award recognizes emerging leaders from throughout the state for achievements in their careers and contributions to the community.
More about Stepec
Stepec has worked closely with countless artists and regularly hosts clinics for ensembles in Hawaiʻi, across the country and abroad in China. He has maintained a close relationship with the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra and has been a frequent guest artist in their popular ʻOhana Concert Series.
In addition to leading orchestras, Stepec also maintains an active and varied teaching schedule. He teaches a private conducting course and violin studio at UH Mānoa.
Stepec studied violin performance at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and orchestral conducting at the Eastman School of Music.
The Department of Music is housed in the UH Mānoa College of Arts, Languages & Letters.