Jonathon Heyward is a conductor whose star is swiftly rising… and he’s about to assume a prominent new position here in New York City.

Heyward has just turned 31, and he’s already conducted all over the world. He became the chief conductor of the Northwest German Philharmonic in 20-21. This fall, he takes on the role of music director at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, where he’ll be the first music director of color in that institution’s 106-year history.

Heyward made his Lincoln Center debut last summer conducting the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra in a pair of concerts with violin superstar Joshua Bell. He clearly made an impression, because he’s now been appointed the next music director for the orchestra, which is poised to get a new name and mission next year. Before then, he’ll conduct the ensemble in two concerts on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 4 and 5, at David Geffen Hall.

Heyward spoke with Weekend All Things Considered host Tiffany Hanssen about his plans and mission, now and for the future.