Biography

Dynamic, imaginative, and deeply committed to his community, conductor Andrés Lopera is one of the most compelling Latin American voices in American classical music today. In 2023, he was appointed Music Director of Indiana’s Richmond Symphony Orchestra, following a highly competitive two-year search. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter for both the orchestra and Lopera’s rising career.

Previously, Lopera served five seasons as Associate Conductor of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and Music Director of the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestras, where he was instrumental in expanding the orchestra’s artistic and educational reach. His final performance with the Columbus Symphony in July 2024—a vibrant interpretation of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony—was a celebratory culmination of his tenure.

Lopera has appeared with orchestras across the U.S. and Latin America, including the Colorado Symphony, Oregon Symphony, Toledo Symphony, New World Symphony, Portland Columbia Symphony, and the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra. His festival appearances include the Cabrillo Music Festival, National Repertory Orchestra, and the Orchestra of the Americas. He also led the inaugural season of the New England Conservatory’s Summer Orchestra Institute in 2019 and has collaborated with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, covering performances for Gustavo Dudamel and Carlos Miguel Prieto.

Internationally, he has conducted the National Symphony Orchestra of Colombia, the Xalapa Symphony Orchestra in Mexico, and the EAFIT Symphony Orchestra, among others. Lopera has cultivated strong ties with youth and professional orchestras throughout Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Honduras, promoting cross-cultural musical exchange.

Born in Don Matías, Antioquia, Colombia, Lopera is the only musician in a family of seven. He holds degrees in conducting and trombone performance from Universidad EAFIT, the University of Texas at Austin, and the New England Conservatory, where he studied under Hugh Wolff. His additional mentors include Andrew Litton, David Loebel, Carlos Kalmar, Ludovic Morlot, and Marin Alsop.

Recognized for his artistic leadership and community engagement, Lopera has received numerous honors, including the Portland Monthly Award, Rising Star Award, Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber Bravo Award, Orgullo Colombiano Award, and Egresados Que Inspiran from EAFIT University.

When not on the podium, he enjoys hiking and spending time with family.