Rochester Philharmonic Appoints Rising Hawaiian Conductor Jake Taniguchi

The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) has announced the appointment of Jake Taniguchi as Assistant Conductor, as well as Music Director of the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (RPYO). Taniguchi will begin his role September 1, 2026, working alongside Music Director Andreas Delfs and leading a range of performances and education initiatives across Rochester, N.Y., and its surrounding communities.

In this role, Taniguchi will conduct RPO Outdoors concerts, holiday and community performances, and youth-focused programs. He will also serve as a key ambassador for the RPO, engaging with audiences, students, donors, and community partners.

"Jake brings extraordinary musicianship, energy, and leadership to the RPO," said Delfs. "His passion for connecting with audiences and young musicians makes him an ideal addition to our artistic team."

A conductor and educator from Honolulu, Taniguchi served as Assistant Conductor with the Indiana University Ballet and Opera Theater. Deeply committed to music education, he has worked with a wide range of schools and youth organizations, including the Masaki School of Music, Kamehameha Schools, Mid-Pacific Institute of the Arts, and the Oshkosh Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Taniguchi holds degrees from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, Northwestern University Bienen School of Music, and the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he served as Associate Conductor and a member of the conducting faculty.

"I am honored to join the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and to work with Maestro Delfs, the musicians of the RPO, and the Rochester community," said Taniguchi. "I look forward to connecting with audiences across the region and contributing to the orchestra's education and community programs."

Cindy Yancey, RPYO Advisory Council Chair says "The RPYO is very excited to welcome Jake Taniguchi as their new conductor. Jake brings a philosophy and belief that supports the RPO's dedication to serving all communities and inspiring the next generation of musicians and music lovers. His understanding and appreciation of audiences will serve him well in this new role."

"Eastman Community Music School (ECMS) is committed to providing spectrum of music activities for students of all ages. In the area of youth symphonic artistry, RPYO is a pinnacle of artistic excellence in our community and RPYO musicians are role models for younger students. A key component to the highest-quality orchestra is an inspiring leader. Jake Taniguchi brings maturity and artistic integrity to the podium, and I look forward to him employing his excellent leadership skills at the RPYO!" says Petar Kodzas, ECMS Associate Dean and Director.

ABOUT THE RPO

The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra has been committed to enriching and inspiring our community through the art of music since its origins in 1922. The RPO presents approximately 150 concerts and broadcasts a year, serving up to 170,000 through ticketed events, education and community engagement activities, and concerts in schools and community centers throughout the region as part of our RPO For All initiative sponsored by M&T Bank. Andreas Delfs was named music director in 2021, following notable RPO music directors Erich Leinsdorf, David Zinman, Mark Elder, and Conductor Laureate Christopher Seaman. Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik, now in his 32nd season, has earned a national reputation for excellence in Pops programming during his tenure with the RPO. The RPO reaches more than 30,000 through its specific education programs. The 2025-2026 season is sponsored by Kimbo Coffee, the official coffee of the RPO. 

About Eastman School of Music:

The Eastman School of Music was founded in 1921 by industrialist and philanthropist George Eastman (1854-1932), founder of Eastman Kodak Company. It was the first professional school of the University of Rochester. Mr. Eastman's dream was that his school would provide a broad education in the liberal arts as well as superb musical training.

More than 900 students are enrolled in the Collegiate Division of the Eastman School of Music-about 500 undergraduates and 400 graduate students. They come from almost every state, and approximately 23 percent are from other countries. They are taught by a faculty comprising more than 170 highly regarded performers, composers, conductors, scholars, and educators. They are Pulitzer Prize winners, GRAMMY winners, Emmy winners, Guggenheim fellows, ASCAP Award recipients, published authors, recording artists, and acclaimed musicians who have performed in the world's greatest concert halls. Each year, Eastman's students, faculty members, and guest artists present more than 1,000 concerts to the Rochester community. Additionally, over 1,700 members of the Rochester community, from young children through senior citizens, are enrolled in the Eastman Community Music School.

About Eastman Community Music School:

The Eastman Community Music School (ECMS) in collaboration with members of the collegiate division faculty, strives to introduce students of all ages to the joy and discipline of music by providing a rich environment that supports each student's musical participation and enjoyment, develops a solid foundation for the young musician aspiring to a professional career, presents opportunities for lifelong musical experiences, and offers ongoing development for teachers and other music professionals. ECMS believes that music is not only an essential part of quality education, but also a powerful contributor to quality of life. George Eastman created ECMS in 1921 for the enrichment of the residents of greater Rochester, with the expectation that this experience should be available to everyone, regardless of age, musical background, or ability to pay. More than 1,700 members of the Rochester community, from young children through senior citizens, are enrolled.

About the University of Rochester:

The University of Rochester is one of the nation's leading private research universities, one of only 62-member institutions in the Association of American Universities. Located in Rochester, N.Y., the University gives undergraduates exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary study and close collaboration with faculty through its unique cluster-based curriculum. Its College, School of Arts and Sciences, and Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences are complemented by the Eastman School of Music, Simon School of Business, Warner School of Education, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, School of Nursing, Eastman Institute for Oral Health, and the Memorial Art Gallery.