In a defining moment for one of Arizona’s leading cultural institutions, The Phoenix Symphony announced the appointment of internationally acclaimed conductor Paolo Bortolameolli as the Symphony’s next Virginia G. Piper Music Director. Bortolameolli will become the 12th Music Director in the orchestra’s nearly 80-year history, ushering in a bold new chapter for the Symphony and the community it serves.
The appointment was unanimously approved by the Symphony’s Board of Directors following a two-year international search conducted in close partnership with the orchestra’s musicians. Bortolameolli will serve as Music Director Designate during the 2026–27 season and become the Virginia G. Piper Music Director beginning with the 2027–28 season.
During his Designate season, Bortolameolli will lead five programs and open the Symphony’s 2026–27 season, offering audiences an early glimpse into the artistic vision that will shape the orchestra’s next era.
Conducting an orchestra is a collaborative pursuit of beauty. It is a profound honor to be appointed the next Virginia G. Piper Music Director of the Phoenix Symphony. From my first experiences with the orchestra, I felt a remarkable sense of openness, energy, collaboration, and artistic commitment among the musicians and throughout the organization. I look forward to building a meaningful and lasting relationship with the orchestra and the Arizona community and to crafting performances that honor the great traditions of our art form while boldly exploring new voices and new possibilities.
Paolo Bortolameolli is a conductor of remarkable musical insight and artistic leadership. From his earliest appearances with our orchestra, he established an immediate and inspiring connection with our musicians and audiences. Throughout the search process it became increasingly clear that his artistic vision, collaborative spirit, and commitment to the orchestra’s role in the cultural life of our community make him the ideal artistic leader for the Phoenix Symphony at this moment in our history. We look forward to the partnership ahead and to the energy he will bring to the Symphony and our community.
Paolo impressed everyone involved with his musical depth, clarity of vision, and the genuine connection he builds with orchestras and communities. We are confident he will inspire our musicians, deepen our connection with audiences across the Valley, and elevate the Phoenix Symphony’s artistic profile nationally and internationally.
During the search process we had the opportunity to work closely with Paolo, both in rehearsal and in performance. It quickly became clear that he brings a remarkable combination of musical insight, precision, and infectious energy. From the podium he invites collaboration while setting the highest artistic standards. The musicians of The Phoenix Symphony are excited to welcome him as our next Music Director and to begin building this artistic partnership together.
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Conducting an orchestra is a collaborative pursuit of beauty. It is a profound honor to be appointed the next Virginia G. Piper Music Director of the Phoenix Symphony. From my first experiences with the orchestra, I felt a remarkable sense of openness, energy, collaboration, and artistic commitment among the musicians and throughout the organization. I look forward to building a meaningful and lasting relationship with the orchestra and the Arizona community and to crafting performances that honor the great traditions of our art form while boldly exploring new voices and new possibilities.
Paolo Bortolameolli is a conductor of remarkable musical insight and artistic leadership. From his earliest appearances with our orchestra, he established an immediate and inspiring connection with our musicians and audiences. Throughout the search process it became increasingly clear that his artistic vision, collaborative spirit, and commitment to the orchestra’s role in the cultural life of our community make him the ideal artistic leader for the Phoenix Symphony at this moment in our history. We look forward to the partnership ahead and to the energy he will bring to the Symphony and our community.
Paolo impressed everyone involved with his musical depth, clarity of vision, and the genuine connection he builds with orchestras and communities. We are confident he will inspire our musicians, deepen our connection with audiences across the Valley, and elevate the Phoenix Symphony’s artistic profile nationally and internationally.
During the search process we had the opportunity to work closely with Paolo, both in rehearsal and in performance. It quickly became clear that he brings a remarkable combination of musical insight, precision, and infectious energy. From the podium he invites collaboration while setting the highest artistic standards. The musicians of The Phoenix Symphony are excited to welcome him as our next Music Director and to begin building this artistic partnership together.
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Your support of The Phoenix Symphony helps ensure music continues to inspire our community — from unforgettable performances and music education programs to compassionate hospice bedside visits that bring comfort when words fall short.
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Your gift to the Phoenix Symphony keeps music alive — from powerful performances and education programs to hospice bedside visits that bring comfort and connection when words fail. Give today and help us reach our $250,000 year-end goal before midnight, December 31.