Edwin Outwater

Edwin Outwater is redefining the concert experience as a groundbreaking conductor, curator, and producer. Working with a wide range of artists from Metallica to Wynton Marsalis, Renée Fleming, and Yo-Yo Ma, Outwater’s creative vision and ability to seamlessly navigate between musical worlds have made him one of the most sought-after conductors, with Michael Tilson Thomas aptly describing him as “one of the most innovative conductors on the scene today.” Outwater currently serves as Music Director of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where he leads ensembles and oversees bold artistic initiatives. He also serves as Principal Guest Conductor and Curator of the BBC Concert Orchestra.

 

Outwater’s long-standing partnership with San Francisco Symphony continues to flourish, with recent performances alongside Sting, Seth MacFarlane, and Ben Folds. Other recent, high-profile engagements include the New York Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Royal Philharmonic. His collaborations extend to stars such as Diana Ross, Beck, Trey Anastasio, Leslie Odom Jr., and Lang Lang. A regular at the iconic BBC Proms, Outwater made a memorable debut in 2022 alongside Cynthia Erivo. He has since returned to lead standout performances such as “Ultra Lounge: Henry Mancini and Beyond” in 2024. His international presence has extended to the Tokyo Metropolitan Orchestra, the Adelaide Symphony, the Mexico City Philharmonic, the Toronto Symphony, and the Brussels Philharmonic. A native of Santa Monica, California, Outwater graduated cum laude from Harvard University, and he later earned his conducting degree from UC Santa Barbara.