The Illinois Symphony Orchestra (ISO) announces the appointment of conductor Taichi Fukumura as Music Director. He will take up the position on Monday, July 1, 2024.
The search process lasted two years, and Fukumura was chosen unanimously after four candidates led the orchestra in concert during the 2023-2024 season.
Fukumara was the Chicago Sinfonietta's assistant conductor for the 2021-2022 season after serving as a Freeman Conducting Fellow in 2020-2021. Fukumura has been the assistant conductor of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra for the last two seasons.
He received a Second Prize in the Mahler Conducting Competition in Bamberg in 2023. He also won four Career Assistance Awards from The Solti Foundation US.
"I am thrilled to join the Illinois Symphony Orchestra as its next Music Director," Fukumara said. "Getting to know this dynamic organization last season has been such a joy, and I look forward to continuing our shared musical journey."
He shared that he saw tremendous dedication and engagement from every aspect of the ISO family, including musicians, the staff, the board, supporters, and the incredible communities of Springfield and Bloomington/Normal.
Furthermore, he claimed that the ISO plays an important role in the lives of these communities, and he was honored to join the organization. He expressed that he cannot wait to work together to share inspiring musical experiences with central Illinois.
Dr. Daniel Brownstone, ISO Board President and Co-Chair of the Music Director Search Committee, said he was elated that Fukumura would be the ISO's next Music Director. He praised Fukumura's love of music, which spans many genres, and said that it would help them reach new audiences who may not be familiar with orchestral music.
Executive Director Trevor Orthmann also said that the musicians and staff of the ISO are excited to begin working with Fukumura to energize and inspire their central Illinois communities through a multitude of exciting performances and programs the Symphony provides each season.
