Houston Symphony Welcomes Bilingual Musical Ambassador/Assistant Conductor

Music Director Andrés Orozco-Estrada and Executive Director and CEO Mark C. Hanson announced today that Carlos Andrés Botero, current co-host of the Houston Symphony's "Musically Speaking with Andrés" series, has been appointed Musical Ambassador/Assistant Conductor, a newly-created position that aims to more directly connect orchestral music with Houston's large and diverse community.

An active instrumentalist and chamber musician, Botero has extensive experience as an orchestra consultant, music education lecturer, string clinician, guest conductor and research coordinator.

Botero first came to the Houston Symphony at the beginning of the 2014-15 season to serve as co-host of the "Musically Speaking with Andrés" series at Rice University in its inaugural year. In this role, Botero works closely with Orozco-Estrada in the preparation of repertoire and commentary delivered from the stage in this intimate, informative and engaging concert experience.

"I enjoy a close partnership with Music Director Andrés Orozco-Estrada and look forward to bringing diverse Houstonians closer to our art, with the goal of transforming even more lives," said Botero. "I'm excited and honored to take on this role at the Houston Symphony and to connect the community with the power of orchestral music."

In this expanded new role, Botero will also serve as cover conductor for all classical subscription programs, be responsible for leading all "Prelude" pre-concert talks held 45 minutes prior to each classical performance, and connect with audiences off and online, which may include speaking engagements at community events and the creation of content for the Symphony's social media platforms and the monthly program magazine.

"We are thrilled to establish this innovative and critical role in the landscape of today's orchestras. Creating connections between orchestral music and our audiences is essential to our work of engaging and inspiring more of Houston's diverse population," said Executive Director/CEO Mark C. Hanson. "As Musical Ambassador, Carlos will help to make Houston Symphony performances more relevant and accessible to our current and future audiences throughout the community."

Originally from Medellin, Colombia, Botero has made significant contributions to the development and coaching of the next generation of orchestral musicians in his home country of Colombia. Earlier this year, Botero - assistant and resident conductor of the Colombian Youth Philharmonic - along with 14 musicians of the Houston Symphony, traveled to Colombia to coach and mentor the 100+ member ensemble as part of their educational partnership with the Houston Symphony. The project culminated with a side-by-side performance of Carmina Burana at Jones Hall

"Orchestral music has a powerful ability to inspire, and the addition of Carlos' position serves to strengthen the connections that occur between listeners, musicians and the music itself," said Orozco-Estrada. "Carlos is a gifted musician and communicator, and I am excited that he will help the orchestra and me create an even deeper relationship to the Houston community."

Botero can be seen on the podium next month conducting the Mexican Institute of Greater Houston's Lunada concert, proudly celebrating its 11th year. This annual cultural event will be held at Miller Outdoor Theatre on Saturday, October 10, and will feature music from Latin American composers, including Pedro Elías Gutierrez's Alma Llanera, Silvestre Revueltas' Janitzio, and Adolfo Mejía's Acuarela among many more.

Lunada is a ticketed event for the covered seating area. Free tickets are available (4 per person over age 16 while they last) at the Miller Outdoor Theatre box office the day of the performance between the hours of 10:30am-1pm. If tickets remain at 1pm, the box office will re-open one hour before the concert time to distribute the remaining tickets. As always, there is open seating on the hill.

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