Damon Gupton Named Principal Guest Conductor Of The Cincinnati Pops

"It's always a treat to spend time with the Cincinnati Pops and it's an honor to be named Principal Guest Conductor," said Gupton. "The Orchestra's musicians are so versatile and the programming and artistic collaborations are exceptional. I'm grateful to the Pops and John Morris Russell for this wonderful opportunity and look forward to getting to know the great city of Cincinnati even better through this exciting new role."

"Damon has a dynamic presence on the conducting podium and a consummate artist," said Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra President Jonathan Martin. "Our past experiences with him have been nothing short of extraordinary and we look forward to working with him in this expanded capacity."

A native of Detroit, Gupton served as American Conducting Fellow of the Houston Symphony and held the post of assistant conductor of the Kansas City Symphony. In addition to the Cincinnati Pops, his guest conducting engagements have included the San Francisco Symphony, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, Toledo Symphony, Fort Worth Symphony, Florida Orchestra, San Diego Symphony, Long Beach Symphony, and San Antonio Symphony, among others. His collaborations include Leslie Odom, Jr. and Common.

Gupton is also a professional actor and portrays Bill Henderson on the television series, Black Lightning, which is set to start its third season in October. Additional television credits as a series regular include Criminal Minds, The Player, The Divide, Prime Suspect, and recurring appearances on programs including Dirty John, Goliath, Bates Motel, The Newsroom, Suits, Empire, and Law & Order, among others. His film credits include Whiplash, LaLa Land, This Is Forty and The Last Airbender, among others.