Massachusetts' New Philharmonia Appoints Music Director

Jorge Soto, who has previously been the orchestra's Principal Conductor, will step into the role

Venezuelan conductor Jorge Soto has been appointed the new Music Director of the New Philharmonia Orchestra, a 75-member regional orchestra based in Newton, MA. Soto has been the orchestra's Principal Conductor since 2021.

A graduate of the New England Conservatory, Soto studied conducting with Harold Farberman, Jorma Panula, Stephen Tucker, Jani Telaranta, and Charles Peltz. He is also a violinist and studied this instrument with Sophie Vilker, Janne Malmivaara, Peter Sulski, and Timothy Schwarz.

In addition to his post with the New Philharmonia, Soto is also presently the Principal Conductor of the United Nations Festival Orchestra for Hope and the Principal Guest Conductor of the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra (Worcester, MA).

He has also appeared with the Boston Symphony Orchestra (where he is also a cover conductor) and the Boston Symphony Chamber Players. Soto was previously assistant conductor to Gustavo Dudamel with the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela.

"We as a board are delighted that our players were strong supporters of having Jorge become our Music Director," said John Tarrh, chairman of the board of trustees. "Over the past several years as our Principal Conductor, he has demonstrated his commitment to our group and his ability to inspire us to deliver high-quality orchestral concerts."

"Both the board and Jorge share a vision for the New Philharmonia to continue finding new ways to raise our quality of musicianship and increase our connectedness within the community," Tarrh continued. "We’re looking forward to having a very exciting 30th season starting this fall. I invite you all to come and experience the excitement and passion of live orchestral music here in the City of Newton."