After 3-year search Phoenix Symphony names new music director
Paolo Bortolameolli will serve as music director designate in 2026–27; become Virginia G. Piper music director in 2027–28
(Photo by Jesús Cornejo, provided by The Phoenix Symphony)
Paolo Bortolameolli has been named The Phoenix Symphony’s 12th music director in the orchestra’s nearly 80-year history.
Posted
From my first experiences with the orchestra, I felt a remarkable sense of openness, energy, collaboration, and artistic commitment among the musicians and throughout the organization.”
The Phoenix Symphony on Tuesday announced the 12th music director in the orchestra’s nearly 80-year history.
Internationally acclaimed conductor Paolo Bortolameolli will join the Symphony as its next Virginia G. Piper music director.
The appointment was unanimously approved by the Symphony’s board of directors following a three-year international search conducted in partnership with the orchestra’s musicians. Bortolameolli will serve as music director designate during the 2026–27 season and become music director beginning with the 2027–28 season.
“Conducting an orchestra is a collaborative pursuit of beauty. It is a profound honor to be appointed the next Virginia G. Piper music director of The Phoenix Symphony,” Bortolameolli shared in a press release. “From my first experiences with the orchestra, I felt a remarkable sense of openness, energy, collaboration, and artistic commitment among the musicians and throughout the organization. I look forward to building a meaningful and lasting relationship with the orchestra and the Arizona community.”
During his designate season Bortolameolli will lead five programs and open the Symphony’s 2026–27 season.
“Paolo Bortolameolli is a conductor of remarkable musical insight and artistic leadership,” Peter Kjome, Phoenix Symphony president and CEO stated. “From his earliest appearances with our orchestra, he established an immediate and inspiring connection with our musicians and audiences. Throughout the search process it became increasingly clear that his artistic vision, collaborative spirit, and commitment to the orchestra’s role in the cultural life of our community make him the ideal artistic leader for The Phoenix Symphony at this moment in our history.”
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here