Gian-Philip Toro has held the post of assistant conductor with the Orchestre National de France. Appointed by Music Director Kurt Masur, he has conducted the orchestra on numerous occasions, and has accompanied them on their tours throughout Europe; including their notable appearances at the Lucerne Festival and the BBC Proms. He has also had the chance to collaborate with such distinguished artists as Anne-Sophie Mutter, Yo-Yo Ma, Barbara Hannigan, Detlef Roth, composer Siegfried Matthus, and Maestro Seiji Ozawa.

In May 2006 Gian-Philip Toro made his highly acclaimed debut at Radio France, conducting a performance and live broadcast of the Grieg Piano Concerto with the Orchestre National de France and pianist Nelson Freire. Soon after he was invited to work alongside Henri Dutilleux during Orchestre National de France’s residency at Germany’s Rheingau Festival; conducting his work Correspondances for soprano and orchestra.

Gian-Philip Toro first gained prominence in 2000 as Music Director of Symphony 21; a New York City-based orchestra showcasing the talents of young, professional orchestral players, composers, and soloists. Symphony 21’s unique approach to programming garnered much critical praise, giving world-premiers of many contemporary works for orchestra, and featuring young promising instrumental soloists - many of whom have gone on to highly successful international careers.

Working throughout the United States and Europe, Gian-Philip Toro has since conducted numerous orchestras; including the Deutsches Symphonie- Orchester Berlin, the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Jenaer Philharmonie, the Orchestra da Camera Fiorentina, the Sinfonietta Baden, the Detmolder Festival Orchestra, and the New Amsterdam Symphony Orchestra. He is a conductor who combines breathtaking lyricism with impeccable technique. With a wide range of repertoire that features works ranging from Monteverdi to Henze, his ability to communicate from the podium leaves a deep impression on audiences of all ages.

Taking up the violin at an early age, Gian-Philip Toro studied piano and composition at the Mannes College of Music in New York City. He then continued his studies in orchestral conducting at the Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst in Vienna. In 2004 he became a pupil of Kurt Masur, and has since worked closely with him in both Paris and London. From 1999-2001 Gian- Philip Toro also served on the faculty of the Mannes College of Music, teaching music theory and composition.

Since his debut with the Orchestre National de France, Gian-Philip Toro has been described as an extraordinary talent, whose charisma and astonishing musicality captivates both orchestra and audience members alike.

"... Gian-Philip Toro had the effect of a foaming, electrified musical fountain ..." Detmolder Zeitung

"Musically, he is a conductor that can do almost anything." Kurt Masur