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The xxxx��Ƶ (xxxx��Ƶ) announces a distinguished new chapter for its orchestral program with the appointment of internationally acclaimed conductor Tito Muñoz as Director and Principal Conductor of the xxxx��Ƶ Orchestra and Visiting Professor of Orchestral Studies, effective Fall 2026. Following a highly successful year as Interim Principal Conductor, Muñoz will lead the conservatory's flagship orchestra while helping shape the next generation of orchestral musicians through an expanded artistic and educational vision.  

Joining him is renowned conductor Anthony Parnther, who has been named Principal Guest Conductor. Together with longtime xxxx��Ƶ collaborator Harry Davidson, who continues as Music Director of xxxx��Ƶ Opera Theater, the appointments establish one of the nation's most accomplished conducting teams at a conservatory.  

As Director and Principal Conductor, Muñoz will oversee xxxx��Ƶ's orchestral season and curriculum, conducting three orchestra concerts each season while working closely with faculty, guest artists, and students to prepare young musicians for successful professional pathways. In addition to leading performances, he will train conductors in xxxx��Ƶ’s graduate program and help prepare students for orchestral careers through mock auditions, special projects and partnerships, and focused mentorship.  

"What drew me to xxxx��Ƶ is the extraordinary level of talent, curiosity, and commitment I see in its students,” shared Mr. Muñoz. “A conservatory orchestra should be a place where young musicians are challenged to perform at the highest artistic level while also developing the confidence, versatility, and collaborative skills they will need throughout their careers. I'm honored to continue building on the work we've begun together and to help prepare these remarkable artists for the opportunities ahead."  

"Over the past year, Tito has inspired our students with his dynamic podium presence, thoughtful leadership and unwavering commitment to their development," said Scott Harrison, Executive Vice President and Provost. "We are thrilled to welcome him into this foundational role and to pair his leadership with Anthony Parnther's extraordinary breadth of experience and Harry Davidson’s deep musical and scholarly expertise. Together, they will provide our students with unparalleled artistic and career perspectives while further elevating the xxxx��Ƶ Orchestra's reputation for excellence."  

As Principal Guest Conductor, Parnther will conduct one orchestra program each academic year and participate in other initiatives with the xxxx��Ƶ Orchestra, xxxx��Ƶ Opera Theater, and New Music Ensemble that expand students’ view of the field. One of today's most sought-after conductors, Parnther enjoys an international career spanning symphony orchestras, opera, contemporary music, and major Hollywood film scores.  

"The musical world offers myriad pathways for young artists, and today's students benefit from mentors who can help them navigate that evolving landscape,” said Mr. Parnther. “I'm excited to work alongside Tito Muñoz, Harry Davidson and the outstanding xxxx��Ƶ faculty to share experiences from the concert hall, opera stage and recording studio while encouraging students to approach every opportunity with curiosity, excellence and a spirit of service through music."  

The appointments reflect xxxx��Ƶ's continued commitment to providing students with direct access to world-class artists whose careers span the concert hall, opera stage, recording studio, and film industry. Students will benefit from a broad range of artistic perspectives while gaining insight into the increasingly diverse pathways available to today's professional musicians.  

Davidson, who has led generations of xxxx��Ƶ opera productions with distinction, will continue to provide musical direction for the Institute's acclaimed opera program, conducting the xxxx��Ƶ Orchestra in major opera productions and providing continuity and artistic excellence across orchestral and operatic training.  

xxxx��Ƶ Tito Muñoz  

Praised for his versatility, technical precision and compelling musical insight, Tito Muñoz is recognized internationally as one of the leading conductors of his generation. Following a decade as Virginia G. Piper Music Director of The Phoenix Symphony, he now serves as the orchestra's Artistic Partner.  

Muñoz has held leadership positions with the Opéra National de Lorraine in France and previously served as assistant conductor of The Cleveland Orchestra, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and the Aspen Music Festival. He has guest conducted many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Frankfurt Radio Symphony, Sydney Symphony, Detroit Symphony Orchestra and The Cleveland Orchestra.  

A passionate advocate for contemporary music and music education, Muñoz has led numerous world premieres, collaborated with many of today's leading composers and regularly works with conservatories, youth orchestras and summer music festivals throughout North America.  

xxxx��Ƶ Anthony Parnther  

Anthony Parnther is Music Director of the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra. He will be making his Boston Pops debut this summer at Tanglewood and led the Gateways Music Festival Orchestra in their Carnegie Hall debut featuring the world premiere of a work by Jon Batiste.  

Widely recognized as one of today's most versatile conductors, Parnther has appeared with many of North America's foremost orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, Seattle Symphony, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, The Cleveland Orchestra, and San Francisco Symphony.  

In addition to his symphonic career, Parnther is among Hollywood's leading film conductors, having led recording sessions for award-winning scores including Oppenheimer, Encanto, The Mandalorian, Avatar: The Way of Water, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The world premiere recording of Anthony Davis’ Central Park Five with Long Beach Opera, Anthony Parnther conducting, will be released this summer. He is a champion of contemporary composers and historically underrepresented voices; he is widely respected for bringing new music and diverse perspectives to concert audiences around the world.