Houston Symphony President Robert A. Peiser and Executive Director and CEO Mark C. Hanson announced at noon today that the Orchestra has selected Colombian-born, Vienna-trained conductor Andrés Orozco-Estrada as its next Music Director. Orozco-Estrada, who will occupy the Roy and Lillie Cullen Chair, will serve as Music Director Designate during the 2013-14 season and will begin a five-year contract in the 2014-15 season. Orozco-Estrada’s appointment was formally announced on the Jones Hall stage today in front of several hundred people, including the orchestra, staff, board, local media and Houston’s Mayor, the Honorable Annise D. Parker.  The announcement was also streamed live over the Internet.

Orozco-Estrada is a dynamic young conductor, intensely musical, technically consummate, and detailed in his preparation and rehearsals. In concert, he radiates on the podium and has a special talent for sharing his admiration of music with his audience.  Off the podium, he is sincere, warm and approachable.  A natural communicator, Orozco-Estrada is fluent in Spanish, German and English.  He is the Houston Symphony’s first Hispanic music director.

Video: Meet Andrés      Read more online!