Richmond Symphony Names New Associate Conductor

Korean conductor Hae Lee will step into the role from July 2024

Virginia's Richmond Symphony recently announced that Hae Lee is the orchestra's new Associate Conductor. As part of the position, he will also conduct the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra, and will begin his time in the role in July 2024.

Hailing originally from South Korea, Lee holds a BA in Conducting from the Korea National University of Arts, and a Master of Music from the Peabody Institute at the Johns Hopkins University.

He has previously served as a cover conductor for Marin Alsop for her concerts at Carnegie Hall in March 2022 with the American Composers Orchestra and in October 2022 with the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra. In addition, he conducted at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall in 2024 as an assistant for David Hayes and the Mannes Orchestra when they performed Ives’ Symphony No. 4, a work that requires multiple conductors.

Lee won Second Prize at the Kussewitzky Conducting Competition in Italy and was a finalist at France's Besançon Conducting Competition.

"I am very excited to welcome conductor Hae Lee as our new Associate Conductor, starting next season," said Valentina Peleggi, the Music Director of the Richmond Symphony. "During the audition process, we screened and interviewed talented candidates from all over the world who were asked to rehearse with the Richmond Symphony and the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra."

"Hae’s talent, his musicality, and his kindness mixed with a desire to grow were outstanding. I am very much looking forward to start working side by side with Hae and to mentor him in his musical journey with us."

"I am so excited to be a part of this wonderful Richmond family," said Hae Lee. "I not only loved the fantastic sound of the orchestra when I visited, but also the warm and welcoming atmosphere. I enjoyed working with the talented young musicians of the Youth Orchestra as well. I am looking forward to working with the wonderful Valentina Peleggi and everyone else in this community."