Alumni Named to San Diego Symphony’s Inaugural Conducting Fellowship Cohort

The San Diego Symphony has announced the seven conductors selected for its inaugural Conducting Fellowship Program, and among them are two NEC alumni: Nathan Aspinall ’15 MM and Tristan Rais-Sherman ’21 AD. The newly launched initiative, created by Music and Artistic Director Rafael Payare, is designed to develop the next generation of orchestral leaders through mentorship, podium time, and community engagement.

The 2025–26 fellowship class represents a wide-ranging and accomplished group of emerging conductors. Throughout the season, fellows will work closely with Payare, guest conductors, and the Symphony’s artistic and education teams while leading performances at Jacobs Music Center, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, and in venues across the region.

Aspinall, currently resident conductor of the Nashville Symphony, has conducted major ensembles including the Minnesota Orchestra and Gewandhausorchester Leipzig. A former Tanglewood Fellow and winner of the Aspen Conducting Prize, he earned his master’s degree from NEC before building an international reputation for expressive, community-focused leadership.

Rais-Sherman, a three-time Solti Foundation Career Assistance Award recipient, recently completed his tenure as assistant conductor of The Philadelphia Orchestra. His growing list of engagements includes debuts with the Baltimore Symphony, Calgary Philharmonic, and orchestras across China. He first appeared with the San Diego Symphony during the 2023–24 season and will return as part of the new fellowship.

Payare emphasized the importance of mentorship in launching the program. He shared,

“With this new Conducting Fellowship, we’re giving gifted young conductors the opportunity to grow artistically… and to find their own voice on the podium.” 

We are beyond proud of these two alumni and their accomplishments!