André Raphel Smith

Music Director of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, André Raphel Smith has established himself as an exciting and versatile conductor through innovative programming and a strong commitment to American music. Praised by the New York Times as “An agile, demonstrative conductor who is physically drawn into the music,” Mr. Smith is currently in his seventh season with the Wheeling Symphony. He has led the orchestra in important commissioned works by Jennifer Higdon and Richard Danielpour, in highly-acclaimed festivals, and at the League of American Orchestras National Conference in Pittsburgh.

Mr. Smith enjoys an active career as guest conductor. He has appeared with most of the major American orchestras including Boston Symphony, Chicago Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. During the summer of 2009 he made his debut at the Brevard Music Festival, and last season also appeared with the Asheville Symphony. In recent seasons Mr. Smith has led critically acclaimed performances with the Syracuse Symphony, and also conducted the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Boston.

André Raphel Smith made his European debut in 2005 with the Neubrandenburger Philharmonie, and returned to Europe during the 2006-07 season to lead the Moravska Philharmonie. In recent seasons he has led the Pittsburgh Symphony, Milwaukee Symphony, Atlanta Symphony, Houston Symphony, National Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Saint Louis Symphony, Seattle Symphony and the Minnesota Orchestra among others. He made his Carnegie Hall debut in 1997 leading the Orchestra of St Luke’s. Mr. Smith’s international engagements have further included appearances with the Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional de Columbia, Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional de Costa Rica, and the Auckland Philharmonia.

Mr. Smith served as Assistant Conductor to Kurt Masur at the New York Philharmonic for two years. He was Assistant Conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra for six years, where he worked closely with Wolfgang Sawallisch. Prior to his appointment in Philadelphia, Smith served for three years as Assistant Conductor of the Saint Louis Symphony under Leonard Slatkin.

A guest conductor at major music festivals, Mr. Smith has led programs at the Blossom Music Festival and the Tanglewood Music Center. He has also appeared at the National Orchestral Institute, Grant Park Music Festival, Kennedy Center Summer Music Institute, Brevard Music Festival, Eastern Music Festival, and the Campos do Jordao Festival in Brazil.

Mr. Smith has an active interest in audience development. During his tenure with the Saint Louis Symphony, he served as Music Director of the orchestra’s “In Unison” program, a partnership between the orchestra and local churches. He has also been heard as a featured artist on NPR’s “Performance Today.” Mr. Smith’s commitment to education is reflected in his work at leading universities and conservatories. During the 2008-09 season, he conducted the Temple University Sinfonia, and has frequently appeared with the Juilliard Orchestra and New World Symphony.

Born in Durham, North Carolina André Raphel Smith began formal music lessons at age 11. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Miami. He pursued further study at Yale University where he earned his Master’s Degree. While at Yale, Mr. Smith began conducting studies with Otto-Werner Mueller. He continued studies with Mueller at The Curtis Institute of Music earning a Diploma in conducting and at The Juilliard School, where he was awarded the Bruno Walter Memorial Scholarship and received an Advanced Certificate in orchestral conducting.

Mr. Smith is the recipient of numerous awards which attest to his artistry. In 2006,

he received the Distinguished Service Award from Yale University. In 2004, he was the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate from West Liberty University. He has received Honorary Commendations from the cities of Philadelphia and Saint Louis. In 2001, Mr. Smith was awarded the “Order of the Long Leaf Pine” by the North Carolina Senate. The award, presented annually is the state’s highest honor for a civilian.