The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School (RI Phil) has announced the appointment of Ruth Reinhardt, a German conductor, as its next Music Director. Reinhardt, who will become the sixth Music Director in the institution's history, is stepping into her first such role.

Originally trained as a violinist, Reinhardt pursued studies in violin with Rudolf Koelman and conducting with Constantin Trinks and Johannes Schlaefli at the Zürich University of the Arts. Additionally, she honed her conducting skills under Alan Gilbert and James Ross at The Juilliard School.

Her expertise lies in the music of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, with a particular focus on works composed by women. Among the composers frequently featured in her programs are Grażyna Bacewicz, Kaija Saariaho, Lotta Wennäkoski, Daniel Bjarnason, Dai Fujikura, and Thomas Adès.

Reinhardt has collaborated with renowned orchestras across Europe and the United States, including the New York Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic, the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, and various symphony orchestras in major American cities.

Susan Chung, the Chair of the RI Phil Board, expressed excitement about Reinhardt's appointment, highlighting her ability to inspire musicians and her strong rapport with both the Orchestra and the Music School's students and faculty.

In her own words, Reinhardt expressed deep honor in joining RI Phil as Music Director, praising the Orchestra's energy and precision. She emphasized her commitment to community engagement and her eagerness to collaborate with the Music School's young musicians, as well as her plans to bring esteemed guest artists to Rhode Island while nurturing new relationships within the music world.