The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival is thrilled to announce that celebrated conductor Stuart Chafetz will lead the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in our landmark 25th Anniversary Gala Concert on Monday, October 20.
Renowned for his engaging stage presence and rich musical interpretations, Maestro Chafetz brings a wealth of experience as a principal pops conductor and a specialist in film scores and crowd-pleasing symphonic programs. He has conducted major orchestras across North America and collaborated with acclaimed artists across genres. Teaming with AJFF Executive & Artistic Director Kenny Blank, Chafetz will helm an extraordinary evening of music celebrating the magic of Jewish cinema, alongside Turner Classic Movies (TCM) primetime host Ben Mankiewicz.
Conductor Bio
Stuart Chafetz is the Principal Pops Conductor of the Columbus Symphony and Principal Pops Conductor of the Chautauqua and Marin Symphonies. Chafetz, a conductor celebrated for his dynamic and engaging podium presence, is increasingly in demand with orchestras across the continent. This season Chafetz will be on the podium in Detroit, Naples, Buffalo, Kansas City, Vancouver, and Seattle. He enjoys a special relationship with The Phoenix Symphony where he leads multiple programs annually.
Chafetz is well regarded for his experience working with a wide array of artists across many genres. He has led concerts with renowned artists including Ne-Yo, Leslie Odom, Jr., Kenny G, David Foster w/Catherine McPhee, Chris Botti, Michael Bolton, Kool & The Gang, John Denver, Marvin Hamlisch, and Bernadette Peters. He was recently invited by Nas to conduct his residency at the Wynn Casino in Las Vegas.
Chafetz’s original programs are a signature of his artistic profile. His popular programs including “Symphonic Genesis & Phil Collins” and “Totally 80’s” showcase the orchestra in an especially entertaining way and attract large audiences throughout North America.
Chafetz previously held posts as resident conductor of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and associate conductor of the Louisville Orchestra. As principal timpanist of the Honolulu Symphony for twenty years, Chafetz also conducted the annual Nutcracker performances with Ballet Hawaii and principals from the American Ballet Theatre.
When not on the podium, Chafetz makes his home near San Francisco, CA, with his wife, Ann Krinitsky. Chafetz holds a bachelor’s degree in music performance from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati and a master’s from the Eastman School of Music
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