Just announced, the Utah Symphony will name Rei Hotoda the new associate conductor next fall. A milestone, she will be the first woman to hold a permanent post with the symphony.
Formerly the associate conductor at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra from 2009-12, according to the Salt Lake Tribune, Hotoda said in a statement: "Working with music director Thierry Fischer and the extraordinary musicians of the orchestra is a partnership I know will be deeply meaningful and very exciting."
She continued: "I am really looking forward to getting to know the audiences of the Utah Symphony and look forward to collaborating with such a vibrant community."
Music director Thierry Fischer said, "Rei will bring extensive education and community engagement experience to share with audiences in this great state."
Hotoda, an acclaimed pianist, has worked with artists from the Canadian Brass to the Indigo Girls and performed in Canadian surrealist filmmaker Guy Maddin's Brand Upon the Brain.
Utah's current associate conductor, Vladimir Kulenovic, will conclude his four-tenure season Aug. 31, 2015. Kulenovic, recently named music director of the Lake Forest Symphony in June 2014, has been the resident conductor of the Belgrade Philharmonic in Croatia since September 2013.
Hats off to Hotoda for making history with a renowned symphony.
For now, catch an earlier performance below:
