Rei Hotoda, conductor
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.”
Rei has appeared with today’s most esteemed ensembles including the Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Hawaii, Kansas City, Richmond, San Diego, St. Louis, and Utah Symphony Orchestras earning recognition for performances that combine visceral energy with musical sophistication.
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.
Rei’s inaugural season as Music Director of the Las Vegas Philharmonic reflects a dynamic artistic vision that balances iconic repertoire with a 21st-century artistic perspective and a celebration of the orchestra’s own artistry. Highlights include a new commission by James Lee III, music by Las Vegas composers Michael Torke and Viet Cuong, and appearances by acclaimed guest artists Michelle Cann and Joyce Yang. The season also celebrates the artistry of the orchestra itself through major symphonic works including Ravel’s Boléro and Respighi’s Pines of Rome, alongside featured performances by principal musicians including Principal Timpanist Preston Spisak in James Oliverio’s Dynasty Concerto for Two Timpani.
In Fresno, Hotoda continues to expand the orchestra’s artistic scope through thought-provoking programming that places contemporary voices alongside cornerstone works of the symphonic repertoire. Highlights of the 2026–2027 season include commissions by Mary Kouyoumdjian and Walter Saul, Dinuk Wijeratne’s Gajaga Vannama, which Hotoda will lead from the piano, and collaborations with acclaimed trumpeter Jens Lindemann in Wynton Marsalis’ Trumpet Concerto. The season also features major works including Gabriela Ortiz’s Kauyumari, Orff’s Carmina Burana, Stravinsky’s Petrushka, Elgar’s Enigma Variations, and Sibelius’ Symphony No. 1.
An accomplished pianist as well as conductor, Rei brings a uniquely collaborative perspective to the podium through her passion for conducting from the keyboard. Her ability to simultaneously lead and perform creates an immediacy and artistic connection that deepens communication between orchestra, audience, and soloist alike. She has play/conducted with the American Composers Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Fresno Philharmonic, Las Vegas Philharmonic, and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, among others.
Rei has established herself as a driving force in shaping a more inclusive and relevant orchestral landscape through “savvy programming and invigorating musicianship” (The Fresno Bee). Her Carnegie Hall debut with the American Composers Orchestra featured two world premieres alongside the New York premiere of Jerod Impichcha̲achaaha’ Tate’s Clans and George Antheil’s Jazz Symphony, which she performed as both pianist and conductor.
Rei’s dedication to musical storytelling finds powerful expression in a multi-season commissioning initiative by the Fresno Philharmonic called Cultural Crossroads, which explores and celebrates the diverse cultural communities of California’s Central Valley. The Fresno Philharmonic launched the project with the sold-out premiere of Meguru: Dreams of Harvest by Hitomi Oba and Erika Oba, honoring the legacy of Japanese immigrants in the region. Its second cycle featured a new work by Mexican-American composer Juan Pablo Contreras created in collaboration with Fresno-based visual artist Hui-chu Kakai and Artes Américas.
The next Cultural Crossroads, in the 26/27 season, features a new commission by Armenian-American composer Mary Kouyoumdjian through New Music USA’s Amplifying Voices program, in partnership with the California Symphony, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, and Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. Inspired by Fresno’s Armenian immigrant community and the writings of William Saroyan, the project continues Rei’s commitment to creating deeply human musical experiences that connect local histories to broader contemporary conversations surrounding identity and belonging.
A passionate advocate for the music of our time, Hotoda regularly champions the work of living composers and emerging artistic voices. Her work in contemporary music includes leading the American Composers Orchestra’s EarShot Readings in New York City, featuring premieres by six emerging composers, as well as collaborating with or performing works by composers as Guillaume Connesson, Viet Cuong, Damien Geter, Gabriela Lena Frank, Vivian Fung, Wynton Marsalis, Jessie Montgomery, Dinuk Wijeratne, Jon Wineglass, among others.
Beyond the podium, Hotoda remains an active voice in conversations surrounding the future of classical music, artistic innovation, and leadership. She serves on the Board of Directors for the League of American Orchestras and appears frequently as a speaker and panelist at national conferences, including SphinxConnect, the Association of California Symphony Orchestras, and the Women in Classical Music Symposium.
Hotoda is the recipient of the Fresno Arts Council’s Horizon Award, the League of Women Voters’ Equality Day Award, and the Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship.
**Rei Hotoda’s full bio was updated in May of 2026
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