Dallas Symphony Orchestra Appoints New Assistant Conductor

Shira Samuels-Shragg will step into the role in Texas

Shira Samuels-Shragg has been appointed as the new Assistant Conductor of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO). More than 170 conductors from across the world applied for the position, and four reached the finals, following a live audition in late February — with Samuels-Shragg emerging as the pick of the bunch.

Succeeding Maurice Cohn, Samuels-Shragg will lead the DSO in youth concerts, Community and Parks Concerts, certain "DSO on the GO" performances, and more. Samuels-Shragg will also regularly assist Music Director Fabio Luisi, as well as guest conductors, for the orchestra's mainstage concerts.

Samuels-Shragg began her study at Swarthmore College, where she worked with Andrew Hauze (conducting) and Marcantonio Barone (piano). She then proceeded to The Juilliard School, where she studied with David Robertson and received her master's degree.

A mentee on the Taki Alsop Fellowship and co-founder of the Women Composers Series with the Plano Symphony, Samuels-Shragg is presently assistant conductor for the Spokane Symphony and is finishing her second season as assistant conductor with the Plano Symphony.

She has also been selected for The Dallas Opera’s 2024 Hart Institute for Women Conductors.

"I am delighted to welcome Shira Samuels-Shragg to the Dallas Symphony family," said Music Director Fabio Luisi. "She led the orchestra with poise and finesse, and I am looking forward to collaborating with her throughout her tenure."

"I am thrilled to be joining Maestro Luisi, the wonderful musicians and the fantastic team at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra," said Saumels-Shragg. "I'm honored to become part of an organization that brings so much to both the local and international music communities."