California's Pasadena Symphony Appoints New Music Director

Brett Mitchell will step into the post for an initial five-year term

Conductor Brett Mitchell has been appointed as the new Music Director of the Pasadena Symphony — making him only the sixth person to hold the position since the orchestra was founded in 1928. Previously the ensemble's Artistic Partner, Mitchell has signed an initial five-year agreement and succeeds David Lockington in the post.

In addition to leading the orchestra's mainstage concerts, Mitchell will oversee its highly regarded education and outreach programs, which include eleven different youth orchestras. He has particular experience in this area, having served as Music Director of the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra and on the faculties of Northern Illinois University, the University of Houston, and the University of Denver.

Mitchell holds degrees in conducting from the University of Texas at Austin and composition from Western Washington University, which selected him as its Young Alumnus of the Year in 2014. He also studied with Leonard Slatkin at the National Conducting Institute.

He has previously served as Music Director of the Colorado Symphony in Denver, on the conducting staff of The Cleveland Orchestra, and as Assistant Conductor of the Houston Symphony and the Orchestre National de France.

"We are excited Brett Mitchell is joining the orchestra at this significant time in the orchestra’s history, with our centennial just four years away," said Andrew Brown, the Pasadena Symphony's CEO. "Brett is a tremendous talent. With his deeply creative programming, broad vision, collaborative spirit, and innate ability to keep classical music fresh and inspire musicians and audiences alike, he is the right person to lead the orchestra into its second century."

"I’m deeply honored and absolutely thrilled to be joining the Pasadena Symphony as its next Music Director," Mitchell said. "From the first moment we made music together in March 2022, it was very clear that there was a special connection between the musicians and me, and that same chemistry has since extended beyond the stage to our friends in the audience and throughout our community."

"I couldn’t be more excited for the musical journey that lies ahead for our entire community as we embark together on this next chapter of the Pasadena Symphony’s story."