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Rei Hotoda, who's finishing out her two-year stint as associate conductor of the Utah Symphony this month, has her next job lined up.
Hotoda has been named music director of Fresno Philharmonic, the central California symphony announced Tuesday.
Hotoda has signed a four-year contract, effective July 1. She succeeds Theodore Kuchar, who led the orchestra for 15 years before leaving last year. Her first concert as music director is set for Oct. 15.
As music director, Hotoda will conduct the orchestra during its main series performances. She also will develop programming for current and new audiences, and work with the Philharmonic's board, musicians and administrators.
In a statement, Stephen Wilson, the Fresno Philharmonic's president and CEO, said that Hotoda's "remarkable talent, enthusiastic leadership style, deep devotion to inclusiveness, and insatiable curiosity for the world around her makes her the perfect collaborative partner for us."
During her term at the Utah Symphony, Hotoda has been a dynamic presence conducting community concerts — including the symphony's return to the Utah Arts Festival — and the Deer Valley Music Festival.