Jonathan Villegas is a dynamic conductor, cellist, actor, clinician, and educator whose artistic mission centers on using music as a vehicle for social connection, community engagement, and transformative change. A passionate advocate for the power of the arts to uplift and inspire, Villegas is committed to empowering the next generation of musicians and leaders, particularly those from historically underserved communities.

Along with serving as Wind Ensembles Director to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s OrchKids program, Jonathan Villegas is also the Wind Ensemble Conductor of the Music Advancement Program at The Juilliard School and Conductor of the Bridge Ensemble at the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Before moving to the East Coast in 2023, Villegas held the position of Assistant Conductor for the Portland State University Orchestra, Bands, and Opera, where they honed a broad and flexible approach to music-making. A cellist by training and an educator by vocation, they have led youth to collegiate-level string orchestras and concert bands across the country and continue to work as a sought-after clinician and guest conductor. Now based in Baltimore, they have just completed a Master of Music in Wind Conducting at the Peabody Conservatory, under the tutelage of Dr. Harlan Parker.

As a proud Latinx and queer artist, Villegas brings a wide-ranging perspective to their work, integrating their background in strings, youth education, and ensemble leadership into a holistic and inclusive artistic practice across any ensemble. They remain steadfast in their commitment to uplifting historically underserved communities through intentional programming, equitable collaboration, and imaginative musical storytelling.

For more information, visit: jvconductor.com