The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra has tapped Alex Amsel and Duo Shen as its next assistant conductors. The two will take the podium starting September 2025, supporting the CSO, Cincinnati Pops and May Festival as the orchestra enters a new chapter under incoming music director Cristian Măcelaru.
Amsel and Shen will play a key role in concert prep and performance. They’ll support every CSO, Pops and May Festival program, assisting in rehearsals and performances while offering feedback to Măcelaru, Pops Conductor John Morris Russell and guest conductors to help refine the ensemble’s sound and artistic quality. They’ll also stay ready to step in on short notice if a conductor becomes unavailable.
The appointment brings Amsel back to Cincinnati, where he previously held conducting roles with Cincinnati Opera. He currently serves as associate conductor of The Phoenix Symphony and as cover conductor for Măcelaru at the Orchestre National de France. Amsel has also worked with the Fort Worth Symphony, Houston Grand Opera and the Aspen Music Festival, with a focus on education and socially driven programming.
The Argentinian-Mexican conductor gained international recognition through a televised performance at the George Enescu Competition in Romania, leading to invitations with orchestras across the region.
Shen arrives from the Grand Rapids Symphony, where he served as associate conductor – only the second person in the orchestra’s history to hold that role. He led more than 90 performances across classical, pops and family series. Known for creative programming, Shen has built a reputation for reimagining how orchestras connect with audiences. His background includes violin performance and conducting studies at the Cleveland Institute of Music.
He has assisted renowned conductors including Marcelo Lehninger, JoAnn Falletta, Carlos Kalmar, and Robert Spano. After graduating in 2022, he joined the Cleveland Institute of Music as a staff conductor, leading subscription concerts and covering guest artists. He has also served as a cover conductor for the Buffalo Philharmonic and the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra.
The appointments align with a pivotal moment for the CSO as Măcelaru steps into his first full season as music director in fall 2025. Amsel and Shen will help shape the artistic vision across the CSO, Pops and May Festival, while expanding the reach of the orchestra’s education and community work.
Amsel and Shen succeed Daniel Wiley and Samuel Lee whose tenures conclude in August.
Cincinnati Symphony
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