The Lafayette Symphony Orchestra has announced the appointment of Kellen Gray as its new Conductor and Artistic Director following a 2-year international search process, and he has been noted as the first African-American conductor of the orchestra and only the second to artistically lead a professional orchestra in the state of Indiana following Raymond Harvey, who led the Marion Philharmonic from 1982 to 1986.
According to the orchestra, Gray emerged as a top choice to lead the orchestra into its next chapter due to his artistic prowess, and he looks forward to continuing the work of the previous conductors as he takes the mantle of the sixth conductor in the organization’s history, following Thomas Wilson, Renato Pacini, Eduardo Ostergren, Anne Harrigan and Nick Palmer.
In March 2022, the administration organized a nine-person committee composed of staff, board members, orchestra musicians, patrons and community partners to launch the search for the next conductor, and after a six-month application process that garnered around 200 applicants, which was narrowed to three finalists. The finalists were invited to spend a week in-residence with the orchestra to engage with the community and conduct a concert during the 2023 to 2024 season where musicians, patrons and other constituents were invited to provide feedback on the unique experiences.
Following the trials for the finalists, Gray was chosen by the committee to become the new conductor for the organization, and the orchestra released information that fed into his consideration, including his background, experiences and aspirations.
Gray brings acclaim as a versatile and imaginative artist, celebrated for his innovative programming and compelling performances. Raised in Rock Hill, South Carolina, he has walked a diverse career path, ranging from orchestral violinist to beekeeper, before dedicating himself fully to conducting. Since the end of 2023, he serves as Associate Artist of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, a fitting progression from his successful tenure as their Assistant Conductor. Previous positions in Gray’s formative years as a conductor included successful tenures with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra (Associate Conductor), Chicago Sinfonietta (Conducting Fellow & Assistant Conductor), and Valdosta Symphony Orchestra (Assistant Conductor).
Crediting the many folk music styles of the Southeastern United States as his earliest and most impactful musical influences, Gray’s repertoire reflects his pursuit of cultural authenticity. This has led to his mastery of works incorporating American folk idioms and in-depth explorations of heavily folk-inspired European composers like Béla Bartók, Manuel de Falla, and Ralph Vaughan Williams.
Gray is one of the foremost experts and interpreters of the music of African-diasporic composers, for whom he is a passionate advocate and champion. He founded Charleston Symphony’s Project Aurora, a performance initiative highlighting the importance of African-American arts and culture. He additionally serves as Assistant Editor & Conductor Liaison for the African Diaspora Music Project after extensive research at The Center for Black Music Research (CBMR) at Columbia College Chicago.
Gray’s discography to date comprises two celebrated releases – “African American Voices” and “African American Voices II”, made with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra – showcasing music by Margaret Bonds, William Dawson, William Grant Still, Samuel Coleridge Taylor, Florence Price, and George Walker. Both records have been met with the highest critical acclaim, including receiving an elusive 5-star review from the prestigious “Diapason” magazine.
Recent and upcoming guest conducting highlights include engagements with such orchestras as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra (Washington), Oregon Mozart Players, Philharmonia Orchestra (London), Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and the Seattle Opera.
According to the orchestra, Gray aims to enrich the Lafayette cultural landscape through innovative programming, community engagement initiatives and memorable performances that resonate with diverse audiences from varying backgrounds.
“It is such an honor and a joy to join the Lafayette Symphony as its next conductor and artistic leader,” Gray said. “From the beginning, it was evident to me that this orchestra and community share a deep love for music and a care for each other. I have always believed my role as an artist is to unite people both on and off the stage, and I am thrilled about what we can accomplish together in the coming seasons, creating unforgettable musical experiences and strengthening our community bonds.”
Lafayette Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Sara Mummey expressed her enthusiasm for Gray’s appointment and her vision for the organization as it develops alongside the Lafayette community.
“We are excited to welcome Kellen Gray to the LSO team,” Mummey said. “With the benefit of his unique perspectives and expertise, we look forward to advancing the LSO’s commitment to exploring the breadth and diversity of the orchestral canon and beyond. Greater Lafayette and, in fact, our entire 14-county service area can look forward to expanded efforts to support and engage with our community and to make the LSO a welcoming place for all.”
For more information about Kellen Gray and the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra, visit lafayettesymphony.org or call 765-742-6463.