Ricardo Ferro
New Jersey Symphony 2026–27 Colton Conducting Fellow
*Beginning September 1, 2026
Ricardo Ferro is a Venezuelan conductor, composer, and pianist based in New York City. His recent performance engagements include conducting appearances with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Tonkünstler Orchestra at the Grafenegg Festival in Vienna, and a conducting fellowship at the Aspen Music Festival, where he was named recipient of the Robert Spano Conducting Prize. A versatile artist, dedicated advocate of contemporary music, and vibrant musical personality, his additional composing engagements include premieres with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and the Canadian League of Composers.
Ricardo began his musical studies in Caracas as a pianist, but was captivated early on by the world of orchestral music while attending rehearsals of Venezuela’s El Sistema program. Early in his musical upbringing, he also developed a passion for composition and improvisation, insights which inform his freedom and creativity on the podium.
Ricardo holds Master’s degrees in Orchestral Conducting and Composition from the Juilliard School. Previously, he studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music and the University of Toronto. With a deep sense of responsibility to foster social change through the music of our time, Ricardo collaborated, while still in his studies, with numerous organizations to commission works from emerging and established composers. Additionally, he taught composition at El Sistema Toronto, helping to foster a new generation of musicians. Ricardo is a recipient of the Canadian Governor General’s Silver Medal, a prestigious award in recognition of the achievements of his academic years.
Ricardo has worked as assistant and preparatory conductor to notable artists including Gustavo Dudamel, Barbara Hannigan, Markus Stenz, David Robertson, Earl Lee, Brad Lubman, and Louis Langrée.
The Colton Conducting Fellowship is made possible by a generous gift from Judith and Stewart Colton.