Phoenix Symphony’s new music director brings a world of experience

After a three-year search, the Phoenix Symphony has announced its new music director: Paolo Bortolameolli, an acclaimed Chilean-Italian conductor who brings global experience and a passion for his art that stems from childhood.

When he was 7 years old, Bortolameolli recalls, his dad took him to see a concert where Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 was being performed.

It moved him so deeply that he cried. In response, Bortolameolli’s dad took him to meet the still-sweat-soaked conductor and told him the effect the music had on his son, who started crying again.

“It was the most beautiful moment, because the conductor got to his knees and hugged me, and he told me, ‘This is exactly why we do what we do,’” he relates. “That changed my life.”

Bortolameolli will be the Virginia G. Piper Music Director Designate for the 2026-27 season, during which he will conduct five programs (his schedule was already booked well in advance for other engagements). In 2027-28, his title will be Music Director, and he will conduct 12 programs.

Bringing a broad worldview

The Phoenix Symphony began its hunt for its 12th music director in its nearly 80-year history in early 2023 when Tito Muñoz announced he was leaving after the season ended. The search committee eventually narrowed the list to 13 strong candidates.

Each of them spent a week guest-conducting with the symphony. Bortolameolli was here twice: first in October 2024 and then to open the 2025 season.

He says he had an immediate connection with the musicians from the first rehearsal and felt how much the audience loves their orchestra.

“In the way they react, in the way they clap, they cheer the musicians,” Bortolameolli says.

In addition to having a home here, he will continue to serve as the music director of Ópera Nacional de Chile and the Filarmónica de Santiago as well as artistic partner to Orquesta Filarmónica de Medellín.

Bortolameolli has conducted esteemed orchestras worldwide and also maintains relationships with several, from Buenos Aires to Los Angeles to Munich and beyond. He has a Master of Music degree from the Yale School of Music and diplomas from the Peabody Institute, Universidad Católica de Chile, and the Universidad de Chile.

He says he’s excited to bring a broad worldview — and new composers — to music lovers here.

“I can bring the world to Phoenix and bring a piece of Phoenix to the world,” Bortolameolli explains, “from my experience with the musicians (and) connecting different artists, soloists, composers … It’s going to become a very fruitful experience.”

Next season, Bortolameolli will open with Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3 and Prokofiev Symphony No. 5, and he’ll close the season with Mahler Symphony No. 5. He’ll also lead “A John Williams 95th Birthday Celebration Performance,” honoring the iconic composer of some of the most recognizable scores throughout decades of film history.

Bortolameolli says it’s a challenge to balance what resonates with him, the musicians and the audience, and adds that he’s been having “super interesting conversations” about future programming with Phoenix Symphony Vice President of Operations and Artistic Planning Christopher Powell.

“Programming is one of the most fascinating and challenging aspects of being in this position,” Bortolameolli says.

He hints that he is dreaming of connecting the operatic and symphonic worlds at some point.

Committed to community

It was paramount for the Phoenix Symphony to find a visionary not just behind the podium but also in community education and engagement.

“The performances on the stage, the conversations off the stage, the interactions with community members who care deeply about the symphony and its role in our community led us to this extraordinary new chapter as we prepare to move forward together,” says Phoenix Symphony CEO Peter Kjome.

He adds, “This is such an important moment for us, and to have Paolo joining us on our journey as part of our service to our community — the excitement is something words cannot begin to describe.”

Bortolameolli is also dedicated to expanding the lives of young people through music. Personally, his biggest joy is instilling a love of beauty and art in his son, Andrea, 11.

He notes that one of his greatest professional accomplishments was leading Chile’s National Youth Symphony Orchestra in that country’s premiere of Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 in 2023. The massive undertaking featured 600 musicians, choir members and soloists, and took seven months to prepare.

“That’s one of the things that I enjoy the most: talking and working with young people,” he says, calling it “a privilege and a responsibility.”

In addition, Bortolameolli says as a music director, he’s dedicated to connecting everyone and making people feel like they’re part of something larger. He describes his goal of creating human bonds and life-changing experiences, like the one that happened to him as a young boy.

“This is not just entertainment,” Bortolameolli states. “This is not just something to do on a Friday night … There is this concept of being together, experiencing beauty through the sound, through music that was written years ago or yesterday. We are part of the community.”