You might recognize him as Bill Henderson from the television series Black Lightning…or Detective Evrard Verlerio from Prime Suspect… or Stephen Walker from Criminal Minds…or any of his other characters from TV and film. But the multi-talented Damon Gupton has also built a reputation as an accomplished orchestral conductor, having served as American Conducting Fellow of the Houston Symphony and assistant conductor of the Kansas City Symphony. Since then, Gupton has guest conducted more than a dozen U.S. and international orchestras, including the Cincinnati Pops.
And now, the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra and Conductor John Morris Russell are happy to announce Damon Gupton as Principal Guest Conductor of the Pops starting in September of 2019.
“Damon is a fantastic musician who has really connected with our audiences and musicians,” said Pops Conductor John Morris Russell. “He’s a tremendous talent who brings his own perspective, style and wealth of musical knowledge. We are thrilled to welcome him as our Principal Guest Conductor.”
Gupton will begin his tenure leading the Pops in four programs during the 2019–2020 season, including Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back at Music Hall on September 6, 7 and 8; the New Year’s Eve concert with Capathia Jenkins and Tony DeSare; the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s annual Classical Roots concert on March 6; and a one-night-only Pops concert with Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers on April 14.
“It’s always a treat to spend time with the Cincinnati Pops, and it’s an honor to be named Principal Guest Conductor,” said Gupton. “The Orchestra’s musicians are so versatile, and the programming and artistic collaborations are exceptional. I’m grateful to the Pops and John Morris Russell for this wonderful opportunity and look forward to getting to know the great city of Cincinnati even better through this exciting new role.”
“Damon has a dynamic presence on the conducting podium and is a consummate artist,” said Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra President Jonathan Martin. “Our past experiences with him have been nothing short of extraordinary, and we look forward to working with him in this expanded capacity.”