Sara Aldana Named Philadelphia Orchestra Assistant Conductor

Sara Aldana, a Colombian conductor from Bogotá, has been named the assistant conductor for the Philadelphia Orchestra, starting in the 2026–27 season, a notable position for emerging conductors in the United States. She will officially begin her role on September 1, 2026, collaborating with music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and various guest conductors, with her subscription debut scheduled for January 2027. This position offers valuable experience with a prominent American orchestra, including leading educational and family concerts, as well as engaging in tours and community initiatives. Aldana previously worked as a cover conductor for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra from 2023 to 2025 and has been involved with the Reno Chamber Orchestra and the Michigan Youth Symphony Orchestra. A protégé of Marin Alsop, she studied at the Peabody Institute and is part of the 2026 Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship, which promotes women in conducting. Aldana takes over from Naomi Woo, who has held the assistant conductor role since 2024 and will return as a guest conductor in the 2026–27 season. Her inaugural performance will showcase waltzes by the Strauss family.