Apollo Orchestra Appoints New Principal Conductor

David Chan, concertmaster of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, will step into the role

Violinist and conductor David Chan has been appointed as the new Principal Conductor of the Apollo Orchestra. He has been the ensemble's Guest Conductor for the past two seasons, and will officially step into his new role for a concert on June 2, 2024.

Chan has been the concertmaster of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra for the past 24 years and has recently been named Director of the Credo National Festival, a new orchestral institute to be held in Chicago’s Symphony Center.

Previously, Chan was the Music Director of the APEX Ensemble, where he established a reputation for innovative and adventurous programming. He has also been Music Director of Camerata Notturna, and made conducting appearances with the Mainly Mozart Festival’s All-Star Orchestra, various significant European orchestras, several summer festivals including a series combining the musicians of the LA Philharmonic and the San Francisco Orchestra, and prominent conservatory orchestras including the Juilliard and Manhattan School of Music orchestras.

"I’m honored to be part of Apollo’s vision of bringing first-rate music to the communities of the greater Washington DC area," Chan said. "I already sense an extremely positive rapport in my work with these superb musicians and look forward to the journey of challenging one another and growing together musically."

“We are thrilled about this next step for our orchestra," said Robert Downing, Apollo Chairman, and Virginia Lum, Apollo Executive/Artistic Director. "David Chan brings us an exceptional level of musicianship and experience, and continuing associations with many of the leading conductors, singers, soloists, and significant orchestras from around the world."

"His knowledge of the concert and opera repertory is vast and impressive. He is personally committed to Apollo's unique mission of giving back to our local communities through our series of free concerts. And most importantly, he has the support and respect of the orchestra."