Cleveland Institute of Music Appoints Tito Muñoz as Interim Principal Conductor

During his interim tenure, Muñoz will also serve as a member of CIM’s orchestral studies faculty

The Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) recently announced that conductor Tito Muñoz has been appointed as interim principal conductor of the CIM Orchestra. He will step into the role in the fall of 2025, and his tenure will extend until the close of the 2026/27 academic year.

During his time at CIM, Muñoz will also serve as a guest member of CIM’s orchestral studies faculty.

Originally a violinist, Muñoz made his professional conducting debut in 2006, leading the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center. The same year, he also appeared with the Cleveland Orchestra at the Blossom Music Festival.

He has just completed a ten-year term as Music Director of the Phoenix Symphony — at the conclusion of which he was appointed as the orchestra's Artistic Partner.

He has previously held music directorships at the Opéra National de Lorraine and the Orchestre symphonique et lyrique de Nancy in France, and assistant conductor positions with The Cleveland Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, and Aspen Music Festival.

"I am thrilled to be deepening my strong relationship with CIM," said Muñoz. "I’ve had numerous opportunities to work with the wonderful CIM community over my years in Cleveland, and I look forward to spending more time helping lead students in their orchestral studies."

"[Muñoz] will ensure the CIM Orchestra remains a cohesive, high-caliber experience worthy of the CIM Standard," said Scott Harrison, CIM’s Executive Vice President & Provost.

"Tito is the right musician and educator to work with faculty and administration to ensure an orchestra curriculum that consistently prepares CIM students for the opportunities and rigor of the professional music world."