Columbus Symphony Appoints Andres Lopera as Assistant Conductor and Youth Orchestras Music Director

After a comprehensive, three-month search, Andrés Lopera has been named assistant conductor of the Columbus Symphony and music director of the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestras. One of the leading Latin-American conductors in the US today, the 34-year-old Colombian native brings more than 10 years of leadership experience with both professional orchestras and youth orchestras to his new role.

"I'm excited and honored to have the opportunity to join the artistic team of the Columbus Symphony and the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestras," stated Lopera. "I had a great experience visiting the city and interacting with their musicians and staff, and look forward to getting to know the Columbus community and sharing some amazing artistic experiences with them."

As assistant conductor, Lopera will become a member of the CSO's artistic team, collaborating with Music Director Rossen Milanov and Principal Pops Conductor Stuart Chafetz to help shape future seasons. 

"I am so excited to welcome Andrés to the Columbus Symphony family," stated CSO Music Director Rossen Milanov. "His passion, enthusiasm, and unique background will be a tremendous asset to our goal of reaching diverse audiences in a meaningful and life-changing way."

As music director of the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestras, Lopera will become the face of the long-standing, extensive program for young musicians, overseeing all six of its orchestras. In addition, he will helm several CSO education, outreach, and family concerts.

After completing his contract as assistant conductor with the Colorado Symphony on July 31, Lopera will move to Columbus to undertake his new appointment which officially begins September 1. His first scheduled public appearance will be the Young People's Concerts on November 14 and 15 at the Ohio Theatre.

About Andrés Lopera

Lopera, who is in his third season as assistant conductor of the Colorado Symphony, has directed performances with orchestas such as the Oregon Symphony, Toledo Symphony, New World Symphony, and Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra, as well as at summer festivals, including the National Repertory Orchestra and Youth Orchestra of the Americas. In October 2017, Lopera covered a series of concerts with the Los Angeles Philharmonic under the direction of Gustavo Dudamel and Carlos Miguel Prieto.

At the international level, he has performed with the Xalapa Symphony Orchestra and the EAFIT Symphony Orchestra in his home country of Colombia, among others. He has also presented concerts and collaborated with both professional and youth orchestras throughout Central and South America, including organizations in Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Honduras. In 2012, Lopera was appointed music director of the Metropolitan Youth Symphony in Portland, where he oversaw a program with more than 450 students, 12 ensembles, and 10 conducting staff.

In recognition of his contributions to Portland, he received the Portland Monthly Award, Rising Star Award, and Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber Bravo Award. Additional honors include the Orgullo Colombiano Award and Egresados Que Inspiran from EAFIT University, both received in 2017.

Lopera has studied and worked with some of the most outstanding professional artists in the field, including High Wolff, Andrew Litton, David Loebel, Carlos Kalmar, Ludovic Morlot, and Marin Alsop. He earned a master's degree in orchestral conducting from New England Conservatory.

www.AndresLopera.com

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The 2017-18 season is made possible in part by state tax dollars allocated by the Ohio Legislature to the Ohio Arts Council (OAC). The OAC is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically. The CSO also appreciates the support of the Greater Columbus Arts Council, supporting the city's artists and arts organizations since 1973, and the Robert W. Stevenson, Preston Davis, and Kenneth L. Coe and Jack Barrow funds of The Columbus Foundation, assisting donors and others in strengthening our community for the benefit of all its citizens. 

About the Columbus Symphony

Founded in 1951, the Columbus Symphony is the only full-time, professional symphony in central Ohio. Through an array of innovative, educational, and community outreach programming, the Columbus Symphony is reaching an expanding, more diverse audience each year. This season, the Columbus Symphony will share classical music with more than 200,000 people in central Ohio through concerts, radio broadcasts, and special programming. For more information, visit www.ColumbusSymphony.com.