Conductor Rei Hotoda captivates audiences through emotionally charged performances, imaginative programming, and a bold artistic vision that bridges contemporary voices with the symphonic canon. A distinguished pianist as well as conductor, Rei brings a soloist’s unique perspective to her artistry on the podium. The Spokesman-Review praised her conducting as “the most gripping, most authentic emotional experience possible.”

 

Renowned for her versatility on the podium, Rei has guest conducted many of today’s most esteemed ensembles, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and the symphony orchestras of Winnipeg, St. Louis, Hawaii, San Diego, Richmond, Kansas City, and Detroit as well as the Las Vegas Philharmonic and the American Composers Orchestra in her Carnegie Hall debut.

 

Through her imaginative programming, Rei has established herself as a driving force in shaping a more inclusive and relevant orchestral landscape. She purposefully programs works that reflect the vibrancy of today’s composers including those of Guillaume Connesson, Viet Cuong, Damien Geter, Gabriela Lena Frank, Vivian Fung, Wynton Marsalis, Jessie Montgomery, Dinuk Wijeratne, Jon Wineglass, among others.

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As Music Director of both the Las Vegas Philharmonic and Fresno Philharmonic, Rei continues to shape critically acclaimed artistic programming through her championing of today’s leading composers and meaningful community connection through music. The 2026–2027 season marks her inaugural season as Music Director of the Las Vegas Philharmonic, launching a bold new artistic chapter for the orchestra. Following her recent contract renewal through the 2028–2029 season, Rei continues to expand the artistic vision and cultural impact of the Fresno Philharmonic through forward-looking programming, community-centered initiatives, and large-scale commissioning projects.

 

A distinguished pianist as well as conductor, Rei brings a soloist’s perspective to her leadership on the podium. Her ability to conduct from the keyboard strengthens her connection with the orchestra and the music itself. Recent highlights include performing George Antheil’s A Jazz Symphony from the piano with the American Composers Orchestra and Jessie Montgomery’s Rounds with the Las Vegas Philharmonic.