Bainbridge Performing Arts recently announced the appointment of Mario Alejandro Torres as music director and conductor for the Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra.

“While not originally a finalist for the position, Mario guest conducted the BSO’s February concert and wowed the musicians with his skill,” said BPA executive director Dominique Cantwell. “We were incredibly fortunate to have a remarkable field of candidates, most of whom have local ties. That Mario rose to the top among such talented and collaborative company speaks volumes.”

Torres is a conductor, teacher and performer, a native to San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Currently based in Seattle, he made his Benaroya Hall conducting debut in collaboration with Ludovic Morlot and David Alexander Rahbee in a concert with the University of Washington Symphony Orchestra.

For the past two years, he has served in a conducting fellowship with the Seattle Symphony, assisting Morlot in collaboration with artists such as Hilary Hahn and John Luther Adams. As the music director of Poulsbo Community Orchestra, he brought a new and exciting sound to the ensemble.

Outside of the United States, he has conducted performances with the Eddy Snijders Orchestra in Paramaribo, Suriname, and in his hometown with the professional Chamber Orchestra of San Pedro Sula, and Victoriano Lopez School of Music Choir.

“[I’m] thrilled and grateful to be given this wonderful opportunity to serve as music director and conductor of the Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra,” Torres said. “This orchestra has my admiration for their professional spirit and their ability to bring excellence to their performances for the Bainbridge Island community. I am eager to share many musical moments with the BSO — as well as its beautiful and faithful audience.

“I look forward to supporting the organization’s artistic goals, and expanding the BSO’s engagement with the wonderful community of Bainbridge Island.”

Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra’s 2018–2019 four-concert classical series features a star-studded cast of guest performers, masterworks, beloved favorites, original compositions and special collaborations, with “Emergence” on Nov. 10-11, “Muses” on Feb. 16-17, “Rebellion” on April 13-14, and “Voyages” on June 8-9.

“I think audiences will be delighted by the depth that Mario’s expertise will bring to performances, and I so look forward to introducing him to Islanders this fall,” Cantwell said.