Get to Know IPO Guest Conductor Rei Hotoda

For the first time in 25 years, the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra begins its season without music director Carmon DeLeone or, for that matter, a music director at all. 

Instead, the IPO begins its 2011-12 season this weekend with a tryout of sorts, as guest conductor Rei Hotoda, one of the finalists for the director opening, takes the baton for the orchestra's From Russia With Love concert at .

Other director finalists who will guest conduct this season include Christopher Zimmerman, David Danzmayr and Markand Thakar.

Rei Hotoda Bio

Hometown: Born in Tokyo but grew up in Chicago.

Experience: Two seasons as the assistant conductor of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and has guest conducted orchestras throughout North America and Europe, including the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, the Staatskapelle Weimar Orchestra and the International Contemporary Ensemble.

Awards and honors: Won the 2006 Taki Concordia Conducting Fellowship, which was created by Marin Alsop to mentor women conductors.

Discography: Apparitions (2008)

IPO claim to fame: She's the first female conductor for the orchestra.

From Russia With Love

When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20.
Where:
Cost: $30-$50 for Saturday; $25-$40 for Sunday.
More info: Call 708-481-7774 or go to the IPO's ticket website.
Pre-concert event: Prelude: An Opening Night Celebration and Dinner Party will be Saturday, Nov. 19, at . Cocktails begin at 4:30 p.m., and dinner will be served at 5:45 p.m. The cost is $75 per person, and reservations can be made by calling 708-481-7774. 

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