El Paso Symphony Orchestra - Guest Conductors

Guest Conductors

David Handel

American conductor David Handel has achieved an extraordinary reputation as one of the most respected and innovative conductors of his generation. His international fame, imaginative programming and distinctive community approach fill halls wherever he conducts.

Since the beginning of his tenure as Music Director of the National Symphony Orchestra of Bolivia, audience attendance has grown exponentially, most of the new audience composed of young concertgoers, the National Symphony organization growing at the same accelerated pace as its public. His achievements with the National Symphony of Bolivia have made that organization a model for orchestra-building in Latin America, meanwhile Handel’s energy and critical acclaim has made him one of the busiest guest conductors with many of the region’s most important orchestras.

View Full Bio

Kenneth Raskin

"I am very happy to be coming to Texas to work together with the musicians and staff of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra, kicking off the concert season with an exciting program featuring three works that promise something for everyone. Fitting that the very first notes we will hear will be from the Master himself, W.A. Mozart, his exquisite music filled with spirited energy and charm. Then, we’ll experience the sheer romanticism and dynamic flare of the Piano Concerto No. 2 by Camille Saint-Saëns, showcasing the wonderful artistry of pianist, Michael Gurt. Finally, we will journey into the amazing universe of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, a musical world of nature, celebration, heartfelt feelings, and spiritual transformation, all concluding with uplifting sounds of triumphal joy! I truly hope you will join us, as this is certainly a concert event you should not miss!" - Kenneth Raskin

View Full Bio

Lawrence Loh

Resident Conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Music Director of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic and Music Director of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra, Lawrence Loh is one of the most exciting young talents on the classical music scene today. He was brought to national attention in February 2004 when he substituted last minute for an ailing Charles Dutoit with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Conducting Stravinsky’s Petrouchka and Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique, Loh received enthusiastic acclaim from orchestra players, audience members and critics, alike.

View Full Bio

Michael Butterman

Michael Butterman is making his mark as a model for today's conductors and is recognized for his commitment to creative artistry, innovative programming, and audience and community engagement. He is entering his sixth season as Music Director for the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra and also for the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra, and is in his 12th season as Principal Conductor for Education and Outreach for the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the first position of its kind in the United States. Beginning with the 2009-2010 season, he assumed the additional post of Resident Conductor for the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. The Shreveport Times recently praised Michael Butterman’s “successful risk-taking,” noting a “season full of buzzing lobbies, standing ovations and full houses,” while the Daily Camera proclaimed, “Michael Butterman was clearly No. 1 on the classical-music scene in Boulder.”

View Full Bio

Peter Rubardt

Now in his fifteenth season as Music Director of the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, PETER RUBARDT continues to inspire artistic excellence and to create innovative programs for the Pensacola community. During his tenure with the PSO, Peter Rubardt is credited with significantly raising the orchestra’s artistic level, and with serving the Pensacola community by initiating pops, chamber orchestra, and family concerts. He played a central role in leading the successful renovation of the historic Pensacola Saenger Theatre, giving the orchestra increased visibility and vitality. Rubardt’s current season includes debuts with the El Paso Symphony Orchestra and Japan’s Yamagata Orchestra, as well as a return to Japan’s Hyogo Performing Arts Center Orchestra, where he previously performed for the Imperial Highness Princess Hitachi of Japan. In addition, this season he will return to the pit of the Saenger Theatre for performances of Verdi’s Rigoletto with the Pensacola Opera.

View Full Bio

Mariusz Smolij

Mariusz Smolij is considered one of the most exciting conductors of his generation. Praised by the New York Times for “compelling performances,” he has led over 100 orchestras in 27 countries, on five continents appearing in some of the most prestigious concert halls of the world. In the United States he conducted the major orchestras of Atlanta, Houston, New Jersey, Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis, Rochester, New Orleans, Indianapolis, among many others. Internationally, he enjoys notable reputation appearing with major symphonic ensembles of Germany, Italy, France, Switzerland, Holland, Israel, South Africa, Canada, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic and Poland. His most recent engagements include collaborations with the Sinfonieorchester Basel, Switzerland (CD recording and series of concerts including the Tonhalle in Zurich); a residency with the Johannesburg Philharmonic in South Africa; a concerts and recordings with the Budapest Symphony Orchestra; performances with Florence Chamber Orchestra in Italy; Israel Symphony Orchestra, Israel Sinfonietta as well as numerous orchestras in Germany and Poland. Maestro Smolij is in his eight season as the Music Director of the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra in Lafayette, Louisiana and his fifteenth season as the Music Director of the Riverside Symphonia in New Jersey.

View Full Bio

National Texas
Texas

Programs and artists are subject to change without notice. The El Paso Symphony is made possible with the support of the City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department and the Texas Commission on the Arts.