The Conductors
Jonathan DeBruyn, Conductor
A vibrant and inspiring Conductor, Jonathan DeBruyn thrills audiences and the Sunnyside Symphony Orchestra (SSO) musicians with his musical choices and direction. Leading SSO’s mission of sharing symphonic music with everyone, his pre-concert talks are enlightening, delightful and a treasure for audiences’ musical minds. From Dvorak’s “New World Symphony” to Holst’s “The Planets” to Mahler, Tchaikovsky, and many more he is an energizing and talented director who brings life to the music, full houses and standing ovations.
In 2023 DeBruyn was named Music Director of the Sunnyside Symphony, as well as the Artistic Director of the Salem Philharmonia. Internationally, he has conducted in Canada, Poland, Austria, and the Czech Republic. A Conducting Fellow with the Eugene Symphony for the 2018-2019 season, he went on to be named Faber Conducting Fellow with the American Austrian Foundation. In 2022 he was named the Conductor of the “Young Artists Debut!” concerto competition. Also an accomplished violinist, DeBruyn has performed with many local orchestras, including the Portland Columbia Symphony, the Newport Symphony, and the Eugene Symphony.
Jonathan Debruyn grew up in Lake Oswego, Oregon in a musical household where he was exposed to classical music from a young age. He received a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from Portland State University where he studied with Carol Sindell, and a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting at the University of Oregon with Dr. David Jacobs.
Jonathan’s free time includes drawing, reading and practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He is the son of composer Randall DeBruyn.
Damián Berdakín, Assistant Conductor
Damián Berdakín joined Sunnyside Symphony Orchestra in 2025 as Assistant Conductor. As a teacher, conductor, and double bass player, he has experience with very diverse groups of musicians from young students to professionals and community musicians, and a passion for music as a tool for social progress and community development.
For nine years Berdakín has been Director of Orchestras at South Salem High School. He has worked with prominent art organizations in the Los Angeles community including as Music Director for the Pacific Lyric Association, Artist Teacher for the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Associate Conductor for Santa Clarita Valley Youth Orchestra, Music Director for Santa Monica Youth Orchestra, and Assistant Conductor for Santa Cecilia Orchestra.
In 2010 Damián was awarded the Certificate of Recognition of Artistic Contribution to the City of Los Angeles as Music Director of the Zarzuela Luisa Fernanda with the Pacific Lyric Association. He is author of The Mindful Warm-up: Practicing the Skill of Concentration in the August 2025 edition of NAFME Teaching Music Magazine.
Originally from Argentina where his musical career began as a double bass player, he studied composition at Argentina National University. Damián moved to the U.S., earning a Bachelor’s Degree at Longy School of Music in Cambridge, Massachusetts in Double Bass Performance, and a Master’s in Fine Arts Degree from California Institute of the Arts. He has served as Guest Conductor in the U.S., Argentina, and Ecuador.