Princeton Symphony Orchestra in Princeton has appointed Tomás García as its new Georg and Joyce Albers-Schonberg Assistant Conductor following a national search and audition process.
Beginning this fall, García will serve as cover conductor for music director Rossen Milanov and will begin rehearsals as conductor of the Symphonic Orchestra of the Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey, the PSO’s youth orchestra partner.
“I am very pleased to have Tomás García join our artistic team,” Milanov said. “I believe that his talent as a conductor, his love of music and experience in opera, and passion for education will not only benefit the Princeton Symphony Orchestra, but our growing community of families and evolving artists.”
García is an Ecuadorian orchestra and opera conductor based in New Jersey whose work has included productions of “Don Giovanni” and “Carmen” with Rutgers Opera Theater. He has also served as assistant conductor for productions including “Dialogues of the Carmelites,” “Dark Sisters,” and “Jackie O.”
His experience includes conducting and assistant conducting work with organizations in the United States and Europe, including Orquesta Clásica Santa Cecilia in Spain, Chicago Summer Opera, Opera Neo in San Diego, and Penn’s Woods Music Festival. He also serves as associate conductor of the Modus Operandi Orchestra.
“Our partnership with PSO over the past six years has been instrumental in the growth of our students who have been inspired by the wonderful musicians at PSO,” said Philip Pugh, artistic director of YOCJ. “We look forward to welcoming Tomás to our Symphonic Orchestra and are excited about the new experience and energy he will bring to our orchestra.”
In addition to his conducting work, García has worked extensively with youth musicians and music education programs. He has guest conducted the New Brunswick All-City Festival and currently serves as children’s music director at First Congregational Church of Westfield, where he developed youth music programs focused on performance opportunities.
García is pursuing a doctorate in orchestral conducting at Rutgers University and has conducted university ensembles while serving as assistant conductor for the Rutgers Symphony Orchestra and Opera Theater.
The Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming programming includes the June 5-21 Princeton Festival and its 2026-27 season.
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