ON STAGE: A Concert at The VETS Welcomes Ruth Reinhardt to the RI Philharmonic Orchestra

Ruth Reinhardt recently returned to the United States from Switzerland where she spent time preparing scores and finding inspiration. Now she’s contemplating the upcoming season and her official debut concert as music director for the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School. A special welcoming event will be held at The VETS Auditorium this month, and she’s excited to take the baton.

In June the Philharmonic announced that Reinhardt would take the helm as music director during the close of their season-ending Gala at The VETS. She previously conducted last February as part of her audition for the role, and will become the sixth music director in the organization’s 80-year history. Considered a rising star in the classical music world, this is her first music director position. The Philharmonic’s executive director David Beauchesne sings her praises, saying, “Ruth is an exceptional conductor, artist, and human being. She is talented, intelligent, and radiates confidence and positivity. Her energy and enthusiasm on the podium are infectious.”

The new music director isn’t saying exactly what she has planned, but promises some great pieces and interesting soloists while reinforcing the Philharmonic’s commitment to music education, which is very dear to her. “The first year will be a lot of planning – I can’t say too much yet,” relays Reinhardt. However, through her career she has become known for a collaborative approach, out-of-the-box programming, and fresh ideas, resulting in elegant performances. She has guest-conducted in Europe and the United States at top orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic, Helsinki Philharmonic, and symphony orchestras of San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Baltimore, Milwaukee, and Seattle.

Reinhardt has built a solid reputation for not only bringing less traditional instruments to the orchestra, but also bringing new names to the scene, with an emphasis on women composers. She will lead the majority of the orchestra’s 2025-2026 concerts and annual Gala. She also plans to lead many of the Link Up Education concerts and engage with students at the Music School and around the state during non-conducting weeks.

In her downtime, Reinhardt looks forward to getting to know the state better, which she finds very similar to her home in Germany. “I really love the vibe. Everyone is so down to earth. The people are great and very welcoming,” she says. A favorite activity of hers is walking along the river in Providence. She hopes to explore more of the arts venues in the area, including museums and other performance spaces. Like most visitors and natives, she loves the food, with special praise for Bellini in downtown Providence and Seven Stars Bakery on Point Street. Learn more and buy tickets at RIPhil.org.