Houston Symphony Music Director Announcement Pr...

On July 14, Houston Symphony Board of Trustees President John Rydman and Executive Director and CEO John Mangum announced Juraj Valčuha as the Houston Symphony's new Music Director. Valčuha will succeed Andrés Orozco-Estrada, whose tenure concludes at the end of the 2021-22 Season.

An internationally acclaimed conductor, Valčuha previously served as the Chief Conductor of the Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale della Rai from 2009 to 2016. He also serves as Music Director of the Teatro San Carlo, Naples, and First Guest Conductor of the Konzerthausorchester Berlin.

Press Resources

The Houston Symphony Appoints Juraj Valčuha
Click here for a news release with more information about the appointment of Juraj Valčuha as the new music director of the Houston Symphony.

About Juraj Valčuha
Click here to learn more about Juraj Valčuha and his career.

Musicians Comment on Juraj Valčuha
Click here for comments about the appointment from three Houston Symphony musicians: Yoonshin Song, Concertmaster; Robin Kesselman, Principal Bass; and Leonardo Soto, Principal Timpani.

Visuals
Click here for images of Juraj Valčuha, including headshots and photos of the conductor signing with the Houston Symphony.

Media Contacts

Madison Mann, CKP
madison@theckpgroup.com

832-930-4065 x 120

Eric Skelly, Houston Symphony

eric.skelly@houstonsyphony.org

713-337-8560

Videos

Q&A: Juraj Valčuha in Conversation with John Mangum

Click here for a transcript of this conversation.

Juraj Valčuha Conducts the Houston Symphony | March 2021

About the Houston Symphony

Houston Symphony Backgrounder

The Houston Symphony is one of the oldest performing arts organizations in Texas. Now in its second century of performances, the Houston Symphony is one of America's leading orchestras with a full complement of concert, community, education, touring, and recording activities. Click here to learn more.

Visuals
Click here to download images of the Houston Symphony.

Houston Symphony Logo
Click here to download the Houston Symphony's logo.

History of Music Directors at the Houston Symphony

Click here for a detailed history of Houston Symphony Music Directors, along with headshots.

Spokespeople

John Mangum

Executive Director/CEO, Margaret Alkek Williams Chair, Houston Symphony

In 2018, John Mangum was named the Margaret Alkek Williams Executive Director/CEO of the Houston Symphony. As Executive Director, John collaborates with the Music Director, members of the orchestra, Board of Directors, staff, and other key stakeholders to further the Symphony's mission of accessibility, relevance, and excellence. Click here to learn more about John Mangum.

Yoonshin Song

Concertmaster, Max Levine Chair, Houston Symphony

Yoonshin Song was appointed Concertmaster of the Houston Symphony Orchestra in August 2019. Previously, she served as Concertmaster of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for seven seasons. Click here to learn more about Yoonshin Song.

Robin Kesselman

Principal Bass, Houston Symphony

Robin Kesselman was appointed Principal Bass of the Houston Symphony Orchestra in 2014. At the time of his appointment, he was only 24 years old, making him one of the youngest musicians to hold a principal post at a major American orchestra. Click here to learn more about Robin Kesselman.

Leonardo Soto

Principal Timpani, Houston Symphony

Leonardo Soto was appointed Principal Timpanist of the Houston Symphony Orchestra in 2018. Previously, he served as Principal Timpanist of the Charlotte Symphony and the Michigan Opera Theatre-Detroit Opera House. Click here to learn more about Leonardo Soto.