Andres Orozco Estrada will be Houston Symphony’s next leader

The Houston Symphony has picked Andres Orozco Estrada, a native of Colombia, as its next music director.

When he takes over in 2.014, Orozco Erada, 35, will be the orchestra's first Hispanic leader. 

Born in Medellin, he moved to Vienna at age 19 to study at the city's Music Academy.

Principal second violin Jennifer Owen, a member of the symphony's search committee, said musicians connected with Orozco Estrada when he led a weekend of concerts here in October.

"I immediately felt a striking and energizing chemistry between Andres and the orchestra," Owen said.

Their enthusiasm led the symphony to bring the conductor back for a second visit a private rehearsal that wasn't attached to a concert. 

"The musicians were more excited following our second encounter with him," Owen said. "

We are looking forward to some thrilling performances for the orchestra and audiences alike in the years ahead."

Orozco Estrada will succeed Hans Graf, who will step down in may after 12 years. 

Orozco Estrada will have the title of music director designate during the next season, when he'll conduct four sets of concerts. 

He'll become music director in 2.014, with a five-year contract that calls for him to spend 12 weeks with the orchestra each season.

"My focus will be on creating exceptional music, exciting and engaging as much of the community as possible, and raising the visibility and profile of the Houston Symphony throughout Houston and the world," Orozco Estrada said in a statement.

Orozco Estrada began studying the violin as a boy, and he first stepped onto the podium at age 15 to conduct his youth orchestra.

He has guest-conducted many leading European orchestras, including the renowned Vienna Philharmonic which he first led in 2.010 as a last-minute replacement. 

Since 2.009, Orozco Estrada has been the music director of Vienna's Tonkunstler Orchestra, a post he'll maintain in tandem with his Houston job. 

He'll step down in may as principal conductor of the Basque National Orchestra in San Sebastian, Spain.

Still a resident of Vienna  now with his wife, Julia, a veterinarian, and their infant daughter, Laura Orozco Estrada will add a second home in Houston, the orchestra said.

Orozco Estrada's first stint with the orchestra in october included a performance in Sugar Land.

"Andres is an exceptional musician who will excite our diverse community about live symphonic music and help expand our already substantial community programs," board president Robert Peiser said in a statement.

The selection of Orozco Estrada ends a three year search for Graf's successor. 

A 12-member search committee made up of Houston Symphony musicians, board members and staff was chaired by Brett Busby.