Michelle Di Russo

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BIOGRAPHY

A powerful force on the podium, conductor Michelle Di Russo is recognized for creating vibrant dialogue between orchestral masterworks and contemporary artistic perspectives through passionate performances, imaginative programming, and deeply engaging concert experiences.

Named Music Director of the Delaware Symphony Orchestra beginning with the 2025-26 season, Di Russo is the sixth music director in the orchestra’s 120-year history. She has also been appointed Associate Fellow of Marin Alsop’s Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship.

Highlights of the 2026-27 season include guest conducting debuts with the New York Philharmonic, Calgary Philharmonic, Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, Tucson Symphony, Rice University, and Billings Symphony, as well as return engagements with Festival Napa Valley and the San Diego Symphony. Her previous engagements have included the Knoxville Symphony, Ballet Arizona, and Colorado Springs Philharmonic, while her work as Cover Conductor has brought collaborations with Washington National Opera, the National Symphony Orchestra, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, and the Minnesota Orchestra.

Di Russo regularly collaborates with Gustavo Dudamel having assisted him on major orchestral productions with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and continues this work with the New York Philharmonic this season on Bernstein’s Mass and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. Since her appointment as a Dudamel Fellow, she has collaborated with the L.A. Phil on projects including conducting MUSIC FUTURE alongside composer and conductor Joe Hisaishi, serving as Cover Conductor for the orchestra’s U.K. tour with performances at the BBC Proms and Edinburgh International Festival, and contributing to the Grammy Award-winning recording of Gabriela Ortiz’s Revolución Diamantina.

A two-time recipient of the Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Award, Di Russo is an alumna of the Aspen Music Festival and School, Lucerne Festival Academy, Verbier Festival, Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, Chicago Sinfonietta’s Project Inclusion program, and The Dallas Opera Hart Institute. She holds a Doctoral Degree in Orchestral Conducting from Arizona State University.

2026/2027
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