Fresno, CA – June 10, 2025. The Fresno Philharmonic today announced the renewal of Music Director Rei Hotoda’s contract for another four years, extending her leadership through the 2028–2029 season. Since beginning her tenure in 2017–2018, Ms. Hotoda has brought vision, energy, and artistic excellence to the orchestra. Her contract was last renewed in 2021 at a time when her leadership helped the Fresno Philharmonic navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.
I’m absolutely thrilled to continue this journey with the Fresno Philharmonic for another four seasons.
-Music Director Rei Hotoda
Over the past eight seasons, Rei Hotoda has made a profound impact as Music Director of the Fresno Philharmonic, enriching both the orchestra and the wider community. Highlights of her tenure include:
- Commissioning or co-commissioning six new works
- Programming and conducting over 25 pieces by living composers
- Launching Cultural Crossroads, a multi-season initiative celebrating the Central Valley’s cultural diversity
- Reaching more than 30,000 students through the Link Up education program
- Creating Mahler Here and Now, the orchestra’s first in-depth exploration of Mahler’s symphonies
- Introducing Farm to Fiddle, a signature fundraising event blending live music with Fresno’s agricultural heritage
Fresno Philharmonic President & CEO Stephen Wilson said, “The Fresno Philharmonic is thrilled to extend Rei Hotoda’s music directorship through the 2028-2029 season. Her visionary programming and artistic leadership continue to generate excitement among our audience and supporters. In the past eight seasons, the Fresno Philharmonic has been recognized as an innovative leader in the symphony field thanks to Rei’s creativity and adventurous spirit. Many more exciting projects are in the planning stages for the coming seasons. We look forward to the next chapter of musical discovery and community connections with Rei at the helm.”
Music Director Rei Hotoda said, “I’m absolutely thrilled to continue this journey with the Fresno Philharmonic for another four seasons. It’s an incredible honor to work with such outstanding musicians and the dedicated staff who make everything possible. I’m deeply grateful to the board and our loyal audiences for their support and belief in our shared vision. Together, we’ll keep exploring meaningful partnerships and celebrating the cultural richness of this vibrant community.”
The Fresno Philharmonic’s 71st season begins in September 2025 with the California premiere of a new work by Juan Pablo Contreras, Alma Monarca, which was co-commissioned by the Fresno Philharmonic. This is the latest in the Fresno Philharmonic’s Cultural Crossroads commissions highlighting the diverse cultures of California’s Central Valley.
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