In 2008, Maestro Kuo became the first conductor of Asian descent to lead a performance at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, making his company debut with Porgy and Bess. An Oregon native and recipient of a Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistant Award, Kuo continues to concertize as the only pianist to have studied with two pupils of the Russian virtuoso Vladimir Horowitz.
Praised as “a leader of exceptional musical gifts, who has a clear technique on the podium and an impressive rapport with audiences,” Maestro Kelly Kuo brings a dynamic versatility and nuance to a diverse symphonic and operatic repertoire. Currently Music Director of the Reno Chamber Orchestra, Artistic Director and Conductor of Oregon Mozart Players and Associate Artistic Director of American Lyric Theater, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to bold programming and creative initiatives. His engagements have included productions with Lyric Opera of Chicago, Seattle Opera, Minnesota Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, Merola Opera Program, Des Moines Metro Opera, Indianapolis Opera, Opera Columbus, and the Brevard Music Center, and concerts with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, Sunriver Music Festival, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, Olympia Symphony Orchestra, and Ballet Fantastique.