We are excited to announce the guest conductors for our upcoming 2024-25 season! These three exceptional individuals are also finalists for the position of the next Music Director of the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra.
Each will conduct one concert this season, and one will advance to conduct the final concert, RETROspective, and assume the role of Music Director.
Meet our incredible finalists:
Scott O’Neil recently completed a nine-year tenure as Resident Conductor with the Colorado Symphony in Denver. He has performed with elite soloists like Itzhak Perlman and Joshua Bell and collaborated with musical leaders such as Sarah McLachlan and Rufus Wainwright. Scott’s innovative series, Inside the Score, combined art, entertainment, and enlightenment, engaging audiences in explorations of various music and ideas. He continues to guest conduct and lead the Rosetta Music Society in Denver, constantly seeking to draw wider audiences to live performances.
With energy, imagination, and a passion for people, American conductor Rachel Waddell is an unabashed advocate for the 21st-century orchestra. Rachel serves as the Director of Orchestras at Colorado State University and has received national and international acclaim for her work. She was a quarterfinalist for the 2025 Music Educator Award through the GRAMMYs and has conducted orchestras around the world, including the Orchestre Métropolitain and the Rochester Philharmonic. Rachel’s leadership and dedication to community engagement make her a transformative figure in the orchestral world.
Andrés Felipe Jaime brings a unique flair and passionate musicianship that has thrilled audiences around the globe. He has extensive experience directing and conducting professional orchestras, youth ensembles, and community orchestras across genres from classical to rock, tango, and Latin American music. His previous roles include Assistant Music Director at the Bogota Philharmonic Orchestra and Music Director and Conductor of the Orquesta Sinfónica de Antioquia.
Mark Your Calendars!
We invite you to join us for these special concerts as each finalist brings their unique artistry to DPO.
- Scott O’Neil — Reflect, Renew, Reimagine (Sept 20 & 21)
- Rachel Waddell — Fright Night (Oct 25 & 26)
- Andrés Felipe Jaime — Holiday Cheer! (Dec 13 & 14)
Thank you for your continued support of DPO. We look forward to sharing this exciting journey with you!