Described as a “powerful presence on the podium” by Marin Alsop, American conductor Valery Saul is recognized for her dynamic leadership, technical command and charismatic rapport with audiences. She is beginning her second season as Associate Conductor of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and also serves as cover conductor for the Minnesota Orchestra, Oregon Symphony, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, and Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.
Valery will conduct the Buffalo Philharmonic in a masterclass with JoAnn Falletta and Keith Lockhart in September 2024. She recently was selected by Marcelo Lehninger (Music Director of Grand Rapids Symphony) as the inaugural Conducting Fellow of the Bellingham Festival of Music whose members hail from leading orchestras nationwide. In summer 2023, she was invited by Cristian Măcelaru (Music Director Designate of Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra) as a participant in the Romanian Chamber Orchestra Masterclass and at the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music.
A master of multiple genres, Valery has led the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra to great acclaim in her Pops debut, Bond and Beyond, and with her collaboration as music director and conductor of Arkansas Repertory Theater’s production of Hello, Dolly! This coming season she will conduct Ballet Arkansas' production of The Nutcracker as well as several concerts with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra throughout the 2024-2025 season.
Memorable conducting highlights include masterclass invitations with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center and with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Valery is a graduate of Peabody Conservatory and has been mentored by Marin Alsop, Cristian Măcelaru, David Danzmayr, Marcelo Lehninger, and George Manahan. In addition to conducting, Valery is a professional opera singer.
