The Illinois Symphony Orchestra (ISO) proudly announces the appointment of Taichi Fukumura as Music Director, effective July 1, 2024. Mr. Fukumura emerged as the unanimous choice of the ISO’s search committee, board of directors, musicians, audience members, and donors after an extensive two-year search process. Four exceptional finalists, selected from an international pool of candidates, led the orchestra in multiple performances during the 2023-2024 season.
“I am elated that Taichi Fukumura will be the ISO’s next Music Director. His love of music spans many genres, which will help us reach new audiences who may not be familiar with orchestral music. Taichi understands the role that music plays in bringing communities together, and he has the unique ability to communicate the power of music to audiences. He is excited to begin his tenure with the ISO, and we look forward to introducing him to the community leading up to our opening concerts in October and throughout our exciting 2024-2025 season. Please take the time to introduce yourselves to him as he is sure to become a prominent cultural leader in central Illinois,” says Dr. Daniel Brownstone, ISO Board President and Co-Chair of the Music Director Search Committee.
“I am thrilled to join the Illinois Symphony Orchestra as its next Music Director. Getting to know this dynamic organization last season has already been such a joy, and I look forward to continuing our shared musical journey. There is tremendous dedication and engagement from every aspect of the ISO family: from the musicians, the staff, the board, our supporters, and the incredible communities of Springfield and Bloomington/Normal. The ISO plays an important role in the life of these communities, and I am honored to join this organization. I can’t wait to work together to share inspiring musical experiences with central Illinois and beyond,” states Mr. Fukumura.
“Taichi Fukumura will be a fantastic Music Director for the ISO. His youthful energy, collaborative spirit, outstanding musicianship, and seriousness of purpose make him the clear favorite with the orchestra. The musicians thoroughly enjoyed our work with Mr. Fukumura this season and look forward to many thrilling concerts in the years to come,” said percussionist Jeremy Brunk, ISO musician and member of the Music Director Search Committee.
Secretary of the ISO’s Board of Directors and Co-Chair of the Music Director Search Committee Dr. Patricia Rushing added, “In concluding a two-year international search, we are pleased to have Taichi Fukumura as the next Music Director of our ISO! From an invited field of eighty world-class conductors and innovators, Taichi emerged as our top choice. He impressed our musicians with his inspiring leadership on the podium, engaged our audiences through exciting interpretations of classical and contemporary works, and captivated the search committee with his passion for making the orchestra a vital and vibrant part of our community. The upcoming season promises to be one you should not miss!”
Director of Orchestral Studies at Tianjin Juilliard School, ISO Artistic Advisor to the Music Director Search Committee, and former Music Director Ken Lam shared, “I am thrilled that the ISO has chosen Taichi Fukumura as its next music director. I wish him and the orchestra the best, and I have no doubt that Taichi will bring an exciting new chapter for the ISO and the community. I look forward to hearing wonderful things in the months to come!”
Executive Director Trevor Orthmann states, “The musicians and staff of the ISO are excited to begin working with Taichi to energize and inspire our central Illinois communities through a multitude of exciting performances and programs the Symphony provides each season.”
Taichi Fukumura is a rising Japanese American conductor acclaimed for his dynamic stage presence and musical finesse. He is the Second Prize Winner of The Mahler Competition 2023 and a four-time recipient of the Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Award from 2021 to 2024.
Taichi Fukumura will make his first appearance with the ISO at the start of the 2024-2025 season on Friday, October 18, 2024, in Springfield and Saturday, October 19, 2024, in Bloomington-Normal. The ISO will celebrate 32 years of live music during the 2024-2025 season.
