ABOUT

Lauded for his “musical accuracy” and “emotional intensity,” Fouad Fakhouri has earned a reputation for his dynamic artistry behind the podium. Fakhouri goes beyond the score to capture both the essence and spirit of the music, delivering powerful interpretations and inspired symphonic performances. 

Fakhouri currently serves as Music Director of the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra in Michigan and the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra in Texas. From 2004-2016, he served as Music Director and Conductor of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra in North Carolina. Previous appointments also include Principal Guest Conductor of the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra and Music Director and Conductor of the Greensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra in North Carolina. Internationally, Fakhouri is a regular guest conductor of the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra. Additionally, throughout his career, he has been honorably selected to participate in and present numerous workshops, masterclasses, and lectures and has partnered and worked with members of such venerable institutions as the Staatskapelle Berlin, the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. 

Recognized for eliciting exceptional musicianship, Fakhouri is consistently praised for his ability to “elevate the artistic performance level of orchestras he conducts.” Combined with an innate ability to share his enthusiasm for music on and off the podium, orchestras under his baton regularly see significant increases in audience attendance and arts engagement in the cities and communities he serves. Fakhouri passionately pursues collaborations with diverse venues and arts organizations and has helped develop and implement several innovative concert series, education programs, and performing opportunities for musicians and young artists. 

In December 2014, in recognition of Fakhouri’s “impressive career achievements, phenomenal leadership of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, and dedication to music and the community,” Methodist University in North Carolina bestowed upon him an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. In March 2016, Fakhouri was inducted into the Fayetteville Music Hall of Fame, and in April 2016, upon the completion of his tenure with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, individual community donors honored him with establishing “The Fouad K. Fakhouri Endowment for Artistic Excellence” – a $1.1 million fund. In April 2017, he was also awarded the “2017 Arts and Architecture Alumni Award” from the School of Music at his alma mater, Penn State University.

In addition to conducting, Fakhouri is an active composer of a multitude of symphonic, chamber, choral, and solo music. Several of his works have been premiered and performed throughout the US, Europe, and the Middle East by such ensembles as the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, the English Chamber Orchestra in the UK, the Bulgarian Symphony Orchestra, and the Mediterranean Orchestra in Italy. 

Fakhouri hails from a musical family whose roots go back four generations. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition from the University of North Texas, and a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting, as well as a Master of Music in Composition/Theory from Pennsylvania State University. 

Fakhouri resides in Manhattan with his wife - a public relations executive - and daughter.

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