Santa Rosa Symphony names Francesco Lecce-Chong Next Music Director

The Santa Rosa Symphony proudly announces Francesco Lecce-Chong as its fifth Music Director beginning with the 2018-2019 season. His responsibilities will include conducting the orchestra, choosing repertoire for upcoming seasons (starting with 2019-2020) and shaping the artistic vision of the Santa Rosa Symphony.

Lecce-Chong, a San Francisco-born, Boulder, Colorado native, is also Music Director and Conductor of the Eugene Symphony, in Eugene Oregon, where he currently resides. This summer he concludes his position as Associate Conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and Principal Conductor of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra. The 30-year-old conductor has garnered acclaim for his dynamic performances, commitment to innovative programming and passion for community engagement. Lecce-Chong has appeared with orchestras around the world, including the National, Atlanta, Toronto, Milwaukee and St. Louis symphony orchestras and Hong Kong Philharmonic. (Full bio below)

President and CEO Alan Silow says, "Francesco represents the total package - bringing fresh energy, innovation and a tested commitment to artistic excellence, music education and community engagement.”

Lecce-Chong says, "I am thrilled to join the Santa Rosa Symphony and become a part of its vibrant arts community. The passionate musicians, dedicated staff, engaged board, and enthusiastic patrons have created an enriching environment for music to thrive, so it truly is an honor to be chosen to continue the great legacy of this orchestra. After completing my commitments with the Pittsburgh Symphony this summer, I look forward to sharing my belief in the transformational and community-building power of music with both the Eugene Symphony in Oregon and the Santa Rosa Symphony."

In October 2017, Lecce-Chong made an instant impression on musicians, patrons, Board and staff with his enthusiasm, talent, drive, warmth, professionalism and good humor. Francesco is eager to focus his energies on fulfilling the Symphony's mission by providing quality orchestral music to SRS patrons and making their concert-night experience more meaningful with his insightful programming and engaging pre-concert talks. He is also dedicated to reaching the underserved communities in our county and shares the Symphony's passion for its music education programs.

SRS Board Chairman Jamei Haswell says, “The Board’s vote was unanimous. He has the perfect balance of on-the-podium skills and off-the-podium passion for community outreach and music education. Francesco is an excellent communicator. As Bernstein said, ‘Technique is communication. The two words are synonymous in conductors.’”

Given his prior conducting commitments, Lecce-Chong will conduct three classical concert sets during the 2018-2019 Season: October 6-8 season opening concerts, November 3-5 and January 12-14. He will assume a fuller presence with the Symphony in 2019-2020. Now, widely recognized as a rising star in the orchestral world, he has subscription debuts with the Louisville Orchestra, the Louisiana Symphony and the Xi'An Symphony, among others, in the 2018-2019 season. Lecce-Chong is represented by IMG Artists, one of the premier global artist management firms, which represents artists such as Renée Fleming, Joshua Bell and conductor André Previn.

SRS Principal Oboe and Music Director Search Committee member Laura Reynolds says, "Francesco is an inspiring presence on the podium, with deep commitment to the craft and a musical sense, or spirit, if you will, that invites players into a collaborative space to create our sound. I very much look forward to working with him!"

The Committee, composed of five board members, four orchestra members and the President and CEO, dedicated more than two years to its task, attending rehearsals and performances, poring over references and post-concert surveys from patrons and musicians, conducting candidate interviews and reviewing input from board members and staff. Its efforts culminated in a unanimous recommendation to the SRS Board of Directors, who unanimously and enthusiastically approved its recommendation.

Music Director Search Committee chairperson Jim Hinton says, "We chose Francesco because we found excellence, passion and dynamic style in his conducting, a background of superior training and broad musical knowledge, genuine sincerity and humility in his personality, and a respectful and collaborative interaction with our professional musicians."

"As we welcome Francesco Lecce-Chong, it signals a new era in our organization’s 90-year history. Francesco’s talent and engaging exuberance, combined with his rising international stature, are sure to take our orchestra to new heights and strengthen our position as one of the nation’s leading regional symphony orchestras," adds Silow.