KU News Release

Fort Worth Symphony names KU doctoral student assistant director

Andrés Franco

LAWRENCE — A fine arts student at the University of Kansas was recently appointed assistant conductor of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.

Andrés Franco of Medellin, Colombia, is a doctoral student in conducting in KU’s Department of Music and Dance. He also is starting his fourth season as music director of the Philharmonia of Kansas City.

In his new role with the Texas-based symphony, Franco will conduct all educational outreach concerts, act as cover conductor and assist the music director. Franco also will conduct four concerts as part of Carnegie Hall’s LinkUp! music education program.

“I am lucky to receive this opportunity,” said Franco. “It is a great career boost and a dream for any aspiring conductor. I will have the opportunity to work with and observe the work of some of today’s greatest artists.”

Franco attended the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogota, Colombia, on a MAZDA Foundation for the Arts and Sciences scholarship and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in piano performance. He received a master’s degree in conducting and piano performance at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth.

Franco has appeared with several notable orchestras over the years, including the Oregon Bach Festival Orchestra, Medellin Philharmonic, EAFIT University Symphony Orchestra, KU Opera and Symphony Orchestra and Texas Christian University Symphony Orchestra.

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