Honoring Orozco-Estrada: A maestro in harmony with the Latino Alliance

When Andrés Orozco-Estrada steps onto the conductor’s podium, it feels like a symphonic firework igniting the stage. I’ll never forget the first time I saw him conducting the CSO in 2016, when we were just three years into the CSO Latino Alliance. That night, during a preconcert chat, his passion for his craft was clear — it wasn’t just about the music, it was how he communicated with vibrant energy, showing what it means to truly love what you do. Andrés Orozco-Estrada isn’t merely conducting; he’s leading a movement. And his collaboration with the CSO Latino Alliance has only amplified our mission.

The CSO Latino Alliance exists to highlight and celebrate Latino musicians and conductors, and Orozco-Estrada has been a powerful advocate. His commitment to promoting diversity in the arts, combined with his dynamic presence, has inspired musicians and audiences alike. His message is clear: music knows no boundaries.

Did you know Andrés Orozco-Estrada is currently the chief conductor of the Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale della Rai? Starting in 2025, he’ll take on the prestigious role of general music director of the City of Cologne, where he plans to elevate the city’s global musical profile.

This season, Orozco-Estrada will make his debut at the Semperoper Dresden with Le Nozze di Figaro, while guest-conducting orchestras from Tokyo to Chicago. His past leadership roles with the hr-Sinfonieorchester in Frankfurt, Germany, and the Houston Symphony, along with his teaching at Vienna’s University of Music and Performing Arts, showcase his rich experience blending Latin American and European music traditions.

At four unforgettable CSO Latino Alliance events — 2016, 2018, 2021 (our first in-person gathering post-pandemic), and this year’s 2024 concert — Andrés left the audience breathless. Whether conducting a bold symphony or a graceful concerto, his energy and passion make each performance unforgettable.

His support has strengthened the CSO Latino Alliance’s mission to uplift Latino talent, inspiring Chicago’s Latino community and beyond. Every time he has come to Chicago since 2016, he’s been an integral part of our journey.

Looking forward, we know Andrés Orozco-Estrada’s legacy will continue to inspire, and we are excited about future collaborations to celebrate Latino excellence in classical music.

In short, Andrés deserves a standing ovation — and we invite everyone to join the CSO Latino Alliance in celebrating his extraordinary contributions! Don’t miss his upcoming concert on Thursday, Sept. 19, followed by a postconcert celebration.

To learn more Andrés Orozco-Estrada, read this article written by Kyle MacMillan, formerly the classical music critic for the Denver Post, who is now a Chicago-based arts journalist.