The Rhode Island Philharmonic has named Robert Spano its Principal Conductor. The announcement will be effective immediately. Spano made his RIPO debut this past September and worked with students at the RI Philharmonic Music School.

He is known worldwide for the intensity of his artistry and distinctive communicative abilities, creating a sense of inclusion and warmth among musicians and audiences that is unique among American orchestras. He is also known as an exceptional educator, avid mentor to young artists, and a champion of bringing living composers and their works into the mainstream of American orchestral programming.