Electronic Press Kit

Download a repertoire list here

Bio

Orlando Cela serves as the Music Director of the Arlington Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Lowell Chamber Orchestra, which he also founded. For nine years, he was the music director of the North Carolina Governor’s School; he has also guest conducted the Manchester Symphony Orchestra, the London Classical Soloists, the Marquette Symphony Orchestra, Worcester Chamber Music Society, Dinosaur Annex, Sound Icon, and others. He created the Ningbo Symphony Orchestra during his year as visiting professor at Ningbo University, in China. Among other awards, Orlando has received the American Prize for conducting youth and community orchestras, the Vytautas Marijosius Prize for orchestral programming, and the Ernst Bacon Memorial Award for excellence in the performance of American music. Click here to keep reading.

Selected Reviews

“Cela and the Lowell Chamber Orchestra bring us a fresh view of where the Suite has been and something of where it seems to be going. Bravo!”
— Gapplegate Classical-Modern Music Review, July 27, 2021

“The Lowell Chamber Orchestra play all the pieces with a graceful affection, and Maestro Cela leads them with a deft and lively touch.”
— John J. Puccio, Classical Candor, May 16, 2021

“Orlando Cela presided clearly and gracefully, seeming to enjoy good rapport with the ensemble.”
— Boston Musical Intelligencer, Feb. 25, 2018

“Cela is a consummately musical player, though, and one who consistently turns technical challenges toward expressive ends.”
— Avant Music News, January 29, 2018

“ an exciting virtuosic display”
— Worcester Telegram & Gazette, 2010

“... absolute solidity and soaring imagination”
— The Boston Globe, 2002

Recent Awards

Massachusetts State Government - 2024 Performance Recognition Program

Amplify Latinx - One of 100 most influential Latines in Massachusetts

LIT Music Awards - Best Conductor - 2022

The American Prize - Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award - 2017

The American Prize - Conductor, Youth Division - 2017

Interviews