Meet Guest Conductor Tianyi Lu

As we gear up for another unforgettable performance with Pacific Symphony, we’re thrilled to introduce you to our guest conductor Tianyi Lu for the May 16-18 concerts featuring works of Beethoven and Sibelius. She brings an exceptional blend of energy, creativity, and leadership to the podium, qualities that resonate deeply with our mission to deliver powerful musical experiences.

Born in China and raised in New Zealand, Tianyi Lu has made significant waves in the world of classical music. Her career took a remarkable turn after clinching first prize in both the Sir Georg Solti International Conductors’ Competition and the International Conducting Competition “Guido Cantelli” in Italy back in 2020. Following these wins, she was named Conductor-in-Residence with the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra in Norway, and she has been the Principal Conductor of St. Woolos Sinfonia in the U.K.

Tianyi Lu is known for her dynamic presence on stage, commanding orchestras with a mix of precision and passion that captivates audiences worldwide. Her ability to connect with both the musicians and the audience, creating a compelling narrative through music, makes her performances truly mesmerizing.

Over the past few years, she has collaborated with some of the world’s leading orchestras, including the Philharmonia Orchestra in London, the Hallé Orchestra in Manchester, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Seattle Symphony, to name just a few. She made her Hollywood Bowl debut in July 2021 with the Los Angeles Philharmonic—a performance that left an indelible mark on all who attended.

This season, Tianyi Lu continues to expand her global footprint, appearing with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestre National de Lyon, Het Residentie Orkest in The Hague and the Orquestra Gulbenkian in Lisbon.

Her dedication goes beyond the concert hall. She is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the arts. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and is an Artist Ambassador for Opera for Peace. Her efforts aim to foster a more empathetic world through her outreach and engagement with diverse communities.

Tianyi Lu is also passionate about mentoring and speaking on topics such as leadership and resilience in the arts. She has appeared on Welsh National Opera’s Podcast “The O Word” and has been a guest on various platforms discussing her innovative approach to music and leadership.

With her impressive educational background, including studies at the University of Auckland, University of Melbourne, and Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, as well as masterclasses and mentorships with some of the most respected names in the industry, Tianyi Lu is poised to continue making a significant impact in the world of classical music. Her formative years were shaped by mentors like Sir Andrew Davis, Xian Zhang, and Neeme Järvi, who helped hone her craft to the fine art it is today.

We can’t wait for you to experience Tianyi Lu’s thrilling energy and deep musicality firsthand when she takes the podium at Pacific Symphony. Get ready to be inspired, moved, and uplifted by this extraordinary conductor as she leads our talented musicians in what promises to be an unforgettable performance. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness a true rising star in action!

Featured image credit belongs to Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. The video below was released by Stavanger Symphony Orchestra.