Winning admirers and exciting audiences, conductor Raffaele Ponti is known as an artist of dynamic personality, charismatic performances, and superb musicianship. Ponti’s trademark is in the breadth of his vision, the clarity of his interpretation, and the rich beauty of his sound.    

The Chicago Courier News writes, "Maestro Ponti is a rising star, someone gaining international acclaim and attention. He has a tremendous zest for music, an exuberance recalling both the roar and rush of a roller coaster ride. Fans worldwide say that his passion shows. Ponti brings an exhilarating energy level to center stage. It's an electrifying swagger-empowering and enabling him to pull music from light to darkness and back again.”     

David Kim, Concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra writes, “Maestro Ponti is first and foremost, a wonderful and natural musician.  His conducting technique is simple, clear and uncluttered with mannerisms.  He is extremely generous of spirit and is a sympathetic accompanist.  I also find Maestro Ponti to be efficient in his use of rehearsal time."        

Henry Fogel, former President, Chicago Symphony writes, “Ponti’s conducting is expressive, clear, emotionally communicative - frankly all the things I look for in conductors…very impressive.”    

Raffaele Ponti is Artistic Director and Conductor of the Paducah Symphony Orchestra (KY), and recently named Music Director and Conductor of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (FL). 

Raffaele’s dynamic personality with excellent people skills makes him a favorite with everyone, orchestra, audience, board members and sponsors.  Executive Director, Daniel Sene states, “The success of this season is a testament of the artistic leadership of the Maestro.”  John Williams, Symphony Board President, adds, “Raffaele has brought an incredibly fresh spirit to the orchestra on stage, in our programming, and in our connection with the community-at-large. We consider extending his relationship with us a cornerstone to success.  Our ticket sales are up over 40% from last season, which totally bucks the national trend. When I look at it, I would attribute this to programming, relationships, the quality of musicianship, and Maestro Ponti's baton.”  

This season Raffaele led the Buffalo Philharmonic and Erie Philharmonic with immediate return engagements, and makes his debut with the Charlotte Symphony.  In addition, Raffaele continues to appear with prominent orchestras around the United States and Europe, Buffalo Philharmonic, Erie Philharmonic, Rochester Philharmonic, Paducah Symphony, Sofia Symphony, Varna State Opera, Orchestra di Pescara, Austin Symphony, Siena Sinfonia, Binghamton Philharmonic, Elgin Symphony, Teatro Lirico d’europe, Billings Symphony, Italia Konzert Opera, Utica Symphony, Schenectady Symphony, Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes, Syracuse Symphony, New York All-State Symphony, and Kentucky All-State Orchestra.  Raffaele’s Italian Opera triumphs include performances of Tosca, Il Trovatore, Nabucco, Madama Butterfly, L'Elisir d'amore, Carmen, Aida, La Bohème, I Pagliacci, La Traviata and Rigoletto.      

Ponti has worked with world class artists David Kim, Allen Vizzutti, David Halen, Michael Ludwig, Juana Zayas, Philippe Quint, Elena Urioste, Jeffrey Biegel, Pip Clarke, Robert Bonfiglio, Ettore Nova, and Ambra Vespasiani.