The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce the appointment of Héctor Agüero, Jr. as their new Music Director, making him the first native Texan to hold this position. The announcement comes on the heels of a year-long search following Dr. John Ricarte’s decision to step down as Conductor at the end of last season. The search attracted over 50 applicants from around the world. From these applicants, the FBSO Search Committee selected five very talented finalists who led the Orchestra as Guest Conductors over the past season.

Each finalist brought something unique and special to FBSO, raising the level of musical ability, artistry, and musicality with every rehearsal and concert. Having the privilege of working with such accomplished conductors elevated the Orchestra to another level, building a platform from which the group will springboard in the coming season.

“We were very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with each of the finalists,” said Amy Floyd, Board President and Chair of the Search Committee. “Each person brought their own unique perspective and focus to our group, challenging us to rise to new levels.”

When it came time to make the final choice, the Orchestra met and voted to allow all members the opportunity to be involved in this important decision. With his clear beat, attention to detail, enthusiasm, sense of humor, and strong work ethic, Hector brought the best of each characteristic the Orchestra was seeking and won the popular vote.

“I had a feeling that Hector would be chosen as our new Music Director,” stated Sina Thompson, Concertmistress and member of the Search Committee. “There was a distinct sense of excitement in the air the very first night we began rehearsing with him.”

Agüero seems to have a musical intuition and understanding beyond his years, sensing the subtle nuances and colors of the repertoire. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the Orchestra, having studied with such great teachers as Franz Anton Krager and Gary Lewis, and Gustav Meier and Kenneth Keisler through Conductors Guild workshops. He is currently a Schissler Conducting Fellow at the Moores School of Music pursuing his Doctorate in Orchestra Conducting. He was recently appointed Orchestra Director for The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston.

“Conducting a community orchestra is a new and challenging adventure I have sought to undertake,” said Agüero. “To be a part of the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra at this stage of their development is wonderful. The Orchestra and I both have the opportunity to expand and improve our musical ability as we work together in the seasons to come. I want to personally invite the entire Fort Bend community to come out to one of our concerts next season.”

“We are so excited about the Orchestra and the potential it has in terms of growth as well as its determination to reach the community,” continued Héctor’s wife, Laura, an accomplished Soprano who sings with the Houston Grand Opera Chorus. “I would like to challenge the community at large to come out and support the Orchestra by any means possible, even if that means dusting off your old high school instrument and coming out to join us!”

The Orchestra will be holding a reception after their June 1, 2008 concert at the Stafford Centre to welcome Héctor, Laura and their daughter, Eva Grace to the FBSO family. All audience members are invited to attend.

For more information about the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra, please visit the website at http://www.fbso.org/ or call 281-276-9642.

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