Rei Hotoda named music director of Las Vegas Philharmonic — and will keep her Fresno gig, too
By Donald Munro
Rei Hotada is probably feeling thankful for that direct Southwest Airlines flight from Fresno to Las Vegas right about now.
It will mean a relatively short commute between the two cities as she takes on a major new job title: music director of the Las Vegas Philharmonic.
On Saturday night, the Las Vegas orchestra made the official announcement: Hotoda was named as the fourth artistic director of the institution. She will begin her official tenure in July 2026. As part of the arrangement, Hotoda will move with her family to Las Vegas next summer from her current home in the Chicago area, meaning she will be that much closer to Fresno.
Fresno fans of Hotoda needn’t worry: She will continue as music director of the Fresno Philharmonic concurrently with the Las Vegas position. Hotoda recently renewed her contract with the Fresno Philharmonic through the 2028-2029 season.
Stephen Wilson, President & CEO of the Fresno Philharmonic, said in a statement: “We congratulate Rei on being appointed Music Director of the Las Vegas Philharmonic. This is great news for her and for our organization. Her new appointment is a tribute to the great work Rei has been doing in Fresno.”
Indeed, the news is welcome for both cities. Hotoda, who is in her ninth season as music director in Fresno, has been on a steady career ascent, beefing up her resume with many high profile appearances guest conducting around the country. Her increased profile as music director in Las Vegas will no doubt be beneficial for Fresno audiences as well.
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With nine concerts on the schedule, the Las Vegas ensemble performs several more concerts than Fresno each season.
Here’s Hotoda’s statement to Las Vegas media: “It is an honor to be appointed Music Director of the Las Vegas Philharmonic. From our first collaboration, I felt an extraordinary spirit within this orchestra and a genuine connection to its community, My family and I are delighted to be making Las Vegas our new home, a city brimming with creativity and possibility. I look forward to building on that energy with these remarkable musicians as we shape the Philharmonic’s bright future together.”
