Naomi Woo, RBC Emerging Canadian Conductor

Conducting a professional orchestra is one of the great accomplishments of a conductor’s career. There are, however, few opportunities for Canadians in the early stages of their careers to engage with professional orchestras in a practical, hands-on environment.

The biennial RBC Emerging Canadian Conductor Showcase provides a unique professional training opportunity to four on-the-rise Canadian conductors who will be immersed in the orchestral world. Unique and vital opportunities like that do not happen often, making the role of RBC and this program so very important. Together, WSO and RBC remain committed to developing and enhancing the Canadian orchestral community of female and non-binary conductors, composers, soloists, and orchestral players, providing opportunity for the musical development and career enhancements.

Four years ago, support from RBC brought us together with Naomi Woo, RBC’s assistant conductor – a prominent young Canadian conductor and pianist, recognized by CBC Radio, ARTV, and Flare magazine as a rising star on the Canadian classical music scene. Naomi’s story and RBC’s support are woven together, strengthening the connective tissue of mentorship, artistic development and success. Naomi Woo was appointed to the role of the WSO assistant conductor in May of 2019. Since then Naomi has captivated audiences in Canada, the United States and Europe and became a trusted mentor of up-and-coming female conductors. She is now the first Sistema Winnipeg music director and the new conductor of the University of Manitoba orchestra.

Naomi is an artist with Tangram, an ensemble devoted to celebrating the vitality of Chinese cultures, and creating new music by transnational Chinese creators. Working with the WSO as assistant conductor completely shaped Naomi’s life and career. This was her first professional role as a conductor, and RBC and WSO, together, helped shape her learning as a musician and artist in communities.

We are thrilled to have Naomi Woo conducting well-known and new and special compositions at the 2023 Lunar New Year Concert.