Photo: R.R. Jones

The Kansas City Symphony has announced the appointment of Gonzalo Farias as the David T. Beals III Associate Conductor. Farias will assume the role beginning with the 2022-23 season, replacing Jason Seber, who concludes his six-year tenure with the Symphony in June 2022.

After an international search, Farias rose to the top of the candidate pool comprising over 120 applicants and joins KC Symphony after serving as the associate conductor of the Jacksonville Symphony.

The maestro will move to Kansas City this summer and will be the Symphony’s representative within the community, leading the orchestra’s educational programs, which include over 40 performances that reach 30,000 students annually.

“I am absolutely thrilled to work side by side with the world-class musicians and administration of the Kansas City Symphony,” said Farias in a press statement. “I feel a great sense of excitement and responsibility to be part of the respect, trust and love established by [Music Director] Michael Stern and the KC Symphony in the community. I can’t wait to meet everyone and create lifelong memories.”

Stern added, “The associate conductor’s role is a vital one which touches every facet of our orchestra’s daily life and work. It requires wonderful musicianship, personality on the podium, leadership skills, and consummate preparation so as to be ready for any last-minute situation.”

Farias’ debut with the orchestra will be on April 9, 2022, when he conducts a family program featuring Prokofiev’s beloved “Peter and the Wolf.” As part of his new role, Farias will pace many of KC Symphony’s pops, family, and Film + Live Orchestra concerts, along with other special presentations.