Pasadena Symphony Names Brett Mitchell as Its Next Music Director

The Pasadena Symphony announced on Tuesday that Brett Mitchell will become the orchestra’s next music director, ushering in a new era for the venerable institution as it approaches its centennial in just four years.

Mitchell, 44, who currently serves as the artistic director and conductor of the Sunriver Music Festival in Oregon, will assume his new role with the Pasadena Symphony after a distinguished career that has included positions with the Colorado Symphony and the Cleveland Orchestra. He will succeed David Lockington, who has led the orchestra since 2013.

“The wait is over and we are ecstatic to announce” that Brett Mitchell will be the orchestra’s next music director, the Symphony said in a statement.

“Brett is a tremendous talent, and with his creative programming, broad vision, and innate ability to keep classical music fresh and inspire musicians and audiences alike, he is the right person to lead this orchestra into its second century.”

Born in Seattle in 1979, Mitchell began studying piano at age 6 and gave his first public performances as a conductor at 16. He holds degrees in conducting from the University of Texas at Austin and composition from Western Washington University.

Throughout his career, Mitchell has demonstrated a deep commitment to both classical and contemporary music.

“The first time I heard an orchestra was in a movie theater on a film soundtrack,” he said. “I wanted to be a film composer but ended up writing orchestral works that, in a twist of fate, I started conducting, which I discovered was my true passion.”

As music director of the Colorado Symphony from 2017 to 2021, Mitchell was known for his innovative programming and efforts to engage new audiences. He has also been involved in education and community outreach, serving on the faculties of music schools and working with youth orchestras.

“I’m deeply honored and absolutely thrilled to be joining the Pasadena Symphony as its next music director,” Mitchell said. “From the first moment we made music together in March 2022, it was very clear that there was a special connection between the musicians and me, and that same chemistry has since extended beyond the stage to our friends in the audience. I couldn’t be more excited for the musical journey that lies ahead.”

For his inaugural season with the Pasadena Symphony, Mitchell has planned a diverse program featuring beloved classics and new works, including Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” Debussy’s “La Mer,” Dvo?ák’s Cello Concerto, Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5 and “Jupiter” Symphony, and Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony.

The Symphony will announce its full season in the coming weeks and host a VIP season launch party in October, where audiences can meet Mitchell.

“As we look to the horizon, our future has never been brighter,” the Symphony said. “Join us as we embark together on this next chapter of the Pasadena Symphony’s story.”