Celebrated Czech-American conductor Bohuslav Rattay emerges as a vibrant global envoy for classical music, enchanting audiences across the world with his masterful and inspired leadership of symphonic works. Presently holding the esteemed positions of Music Director for both the El Paso Symphony Orchestra and the Midland Symphony Orchestra of Michigan, he is widely regarded as a prodigious talent of his era. Mr. Rattay fuses passionate, virtuosic artistry with an unyielding dedication to bringing the beauty of music to every corner of society.
With an innovative vision, Mr. Rattay seamlessly weaves together the timeless traditions and bold innovations of classical music, creating performances that are both electrifying and refreshingly original. He crafts imaginative concert programs, enhanced with interactive audience dialogues and cutting-edge multimedia, offering a captivating and immersive experience. His profound connection to the classics, especially the evocative musical legacy of his Bohemian roots, has earned him widespread acclaim. Critics have hailed his work with phrases like “Rattay is the quintessential guide for Tchaikovsky’s Fourth” (Charleston Today) and the poetic tribute, “Observing him conduct is akin to watching an artist paint vivid scenes in sync with living music on a vast canvas” (El Paso Times). His thoughtfully diverse programming strikes a chord with a wide array of listeners, delighting devoted fans while cultivating a new wave of symphony enthusiasts.
Accolades
Globally revered, Mr. Rattay is acclaimed for his inventive and deeply moving interpretations, earning praise for his “vibrant” performances and “refined flair” (Charleston City Paper), his orchestra-directing “contagious enthusiasm and dynamism” (Midland Daily News), and his distinctive artistry that imparts a “personal vision… destined to resonate for generations” (Duluth News Tribune). His commanding presence has graced renowned stages as a guest conductor, including the Colorado Symphony, Duluth-Superior Symphony, Lubbock Symphony Orchestra, Bogotá Sinfónica de Colombia, Antalya Symphony in Turkey, Teplice Philharmonic, and Karlovy Vary Symphony in his native Czech Republic. Recent highlights feature collaborations with the Virginia Symphony, West Michigan Symphony, Irving Symphony Orchestra, Prague’s Dvořák Symphony Orchestra, and the Charleston (SC) Symphony, where he received resounding critical acclaim. He has also led the National Symphony Orchestra through the National Conducting Institute and was selected for the prestigious Conducting Fellowship by the American Symphony Orchestra League.
Education & Experience
A passionate advocate for education, Mr. Rattay inspires young musicians as a dedicated educator. Appointed to the music faculty at the University of Texas at El Paso, he has previously enriched the academic communities of the College of William and Mary, Ball State University, and numerous youth orchestras throughout the United States. His youthful vigor, combined with his extraordinary conducting expertise, positions him as a highly influential and motivating mentor.
Mr. Rattay’s impressive educational background includes degrees from the Prague Conservatory, Rice University, and the Peabody Institute of Music. He attributes his remarkable growth to the profound influence of mentors Gustav Meier, Larry Rachleff, Benjamin Kamins, and Neeme Järvi.