Philadelphia Orchestra Announces New Assistant Conductors

Austin Chanu and Tristan Rais-Sherman have been promoted to the assistant positions for 2023/24, while Naomi Woo will step into the role in 2024/25

Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and The Philadelphia Orchestra have recently named new Assistant Conductors for the next two seasons.

In 2023/24, conductors Austin Chanu and Tristan Rais-Sherman — who were Conducting Fellows in the 2022/23 season — have been retained as the orchestra's new Assistant Conductors. Additionally, the orchestra has already named Naomi Woo as Assistant Conductor for the 2024/25 season.

All three conductors will work closely with Nézet-Séguin, observing his score preparation and rehearsal technique and acting as cover conductors when needed. They will also participate in residency programs, concert tours, and educational activities, as well as conducting the orchestra for its community outreach programs.

Originally from San Francisco, Austin Chanu studied conducting with Neil Varon at the Eastman School of Music. A recipient of the Career Assistance Award from the Solti Foundation, he made his Phildelphia debut in April 2023, when he conducted Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring.

Tristan Sherman is a two-time recipient of the Solti Foundation's Career Assistance Award, and recently appeared in the Gustav Mahler Conducting Competition. In 2023, he will make his debut with the Baltimore Symphony, alongside his continuing engagements in Philadelphia.

Canadian conductor Naomi Woo has recently concluded a four-year term assisting at the Winnipeg Symphony, and in the 2023/24 season will serve as artistic partner at the Orchestre Métropolitain Montréal. A graduate of Yale University and the University of Montreal, she has also appeared with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Toronto Symphony, among others.

"Mentoring young conductors is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work, and I have enjoyed watching Austin and Tristan develop their skills over the past year," Nézet-Séguin said. "We are thrilled to recognize their artistry on stage and their contributions off stage with these well-deserved promotions and look forward to seeing what they accomplish next season."

"In addition, we are excited to welcome Naomi Woo to the Philadelphia Orchestra family. After working with her closely at the Orchestre Métropolitain, I know she will bring great insight and talent to our 2024–25 season."