The Las Vegas Philharmonic ended its 2023-2024 season by saying farewell to its longtime music director, Donato Cabrera. On May 9, it ends its 2025-2026 season by saying hello to its new one, Rei Hotoda.
In two months, she’ll officially be the first woman and Asian-American to hold the position of music director for the Philharmonic.
In her time as the music director designate, Hotoda has been busy. Besides preparing for her conducting duties during this weekend’s finale, she’s planned the 2026-2027 season, which will feature performances of Ravel’s Bolero and the music of Japanese anime institution Studio Ghibli.
She's also the music director of the Fresno Philharmonic and a highly regarded pianist. She released an album of solo numbers in 2008. And she's known for playing the ivories while simultaneously conducting.
"It's a crazy brain thing that happens for me, and it takes a lot of work and preparation," Hotoda said. "Sometimes I think, 'Why am I working so hard?' But I love it, and I love sharing that with audiences."
Hotoda told KNPR's State of Nevada that she's looking forward to meeting and collaborating with the various arts organizations in Southern Nevada, as well as tapping into the deep well of music educators within the Phil to develop learning programs for Las Vegas youth.
In fact, it's those musicians — a few who have been playing with the Phil since its 1998 debut — who ultimately attracted Hotoda to Las Vegas and its most visible symphony orchestra.
"These musicians are so unique and special, that they're able to flip on a dime to play with Nas and be completely engaged with that, and then play a Brahms Symphony with so much integrity and power," Hotoda said. "It's incredible to see the flexibility of these musicians, and you don't see that in very many places."
Rei Hotoda, music director designate and conductor, Las Vegas Philharmonic
