Music Director of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, André Raphel Smith has established a distinguished career through innovative programming and a strong commitment to American music. Currently in his fifth season with the Wheeling Symphony, this season he leads the orchestra and group Time for Three in a co-commission with the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Pittsburgh Symphony for Jennifer Higdon's Concerto 4-3. He has led the orchestra in acclaimed festivals, world premieres, and at the American Symphony League Conference.

Highlights of Mr. Smith’s 2007-08 season include guest conducting appearances with the Syracuse Symphony and Pro-Arte Chamber Orchestra of Boston. Last season, he made his debut with the Milwaukee Symphony and stepped in on short notice for an indisposed conductor to lead the Chicago Sinfonietta.

Mr. Smith served as Assistant Conductor to Kurt Masur at the New York Philharmonic from 2000-2002. 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 as Assistant Conductor of the Saint Louis Symphony under the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts Conductor’s program.

André Raphel Smith enjoys an active career as guest conductor. He has appeared with most of the major American orchestra’s including Boston Symphony, Chicago Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. In 2005, he made his European debut with the Neubrandenburger Philharmonie. In recent seasons he has led the Pittsburgh 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 included appearances with the Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional de Columbia, Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional de Costa Rica, and the Auckland Philharmonia.

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, Eastern Music Festival, Sunflower Music Festival, and the Campos do Jordao Festival in Brazil.

Mr. Smith has an active interest in audience development and arts education. 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 nationally as a featured artist on NPR’s “Performance Today.” Mr. Smith’s commitment to education is also reflected in his work with orchestras at leading conservatories and training programs throughout the country. He has frequently appeared with the Juilliard Orchestra and has also led performances with the 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 that attest to his artistry. In April 2006, he received the Distinguished Service Award from Yale University. In 2004, he was the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate from West Liberty State College. 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.