Phoenix Symphony Appoints New Associate Conductor

Argentinian-Mexican conductor Alex Amsel will serve in the position

Prior to his new role with the Phoenix Symphony, Alex Amsel served as the resident conductor for the Houston Grand Opera.

As an assistant conductor, he has completed three seasons with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, leading its symphonic and outreach concerts; and has led Colorado’s National Repertory Orchestra in its subscription concerts and young artist competition performances. 

In the summers of 2020 and 2021, Amsel was selected for the Aspen Conducting Academy. He returned to the program as a faculty member and assistant conductor in 2022.

Amsel’s concert engagements have included the Aspen Music Festival, National Repertory Orchestra, Round Top Music Festival, and Philadelphia International Music Festival, where he also served as a faculty conductor.

Additionally, he has served as the assistant conductor and choirmaster of the Peabody Conservatory’s Opera Theatre and Choruses. His collaborators have included Cristian Macelaru, Robert Spano, Patrick Summers and Miguel Harth-Bedoya. 

A graduate of the New England Conservatory and the University of Texas, Amsel completed his studies with Marin Alsop at the Peabody Conservatory as her graduate assistant while working towards his master’s in orchestral conducting.

“The Phoenix Symphony is thrilled to welcome Alex to our Symphony,” said Tito Muñoz, Phoenix Symphony’s music director. “His leadership on the podium along with a commitment to integrating music into the fabric of every community aligns with our values as a Symphony. He is a true emerging talent, celebrated for his passion to advance what classical music can do for audiences of all ages.”

Founded in 1947, the Phoenix Symphony is Arizona’s largest performing arts organization. Its musician engagement and educational programs reach over 125,000 students annually, while further partnerships of the orchestra have aided the homeless, and patients in Alzheimer’s care facilities, in hospitals, and in hospice.