Richard McKay is a conductor of the symphonic and operatic repertory across the United States, Europe and South America. An established leader in the vibrant Dallas arts community, his recent performances have been hailed by critics as “spellbinding,” “finely paced,” and “perfectly shaped” (D Magazine and The Dallas Morning News). He is the music and artistic director of the Dallas Chamber Symphony.

McKay has worked with the Baltimore Symphony and Dallas Symphony, where he has assisted conductors Günther Herbig, Carlos Kalmar, Jaap van Zweden, and many others. He recently led performances at the Aspen Music Festival where he was a fellowship conductor at the American Academy of Conducting.

McKay has conducted leading orchestras, including the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Opera Orchestra, Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Mendoza Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Plano Symphony Orchestra, Omaha Symphony Orchestra, Irving Symphony Orchestra, Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra among others. He has also directed youth and student orchestras, such as the Estonian National Youth Orchestra, Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra, Baltimore City Youth Orchestra, and symphonies at the Manhattan School of Music, Bowling Green State University, Cleveland Institute of Music, Cincinnati College-Conservatory, and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

McKay holds a doctorate from the Peabody Conservatory where he trained with Gustav Meier, Markand Thakar, and Marin Alsop while serving as assistant conductor and chorus master of the Peabody Orchestras and Opera. He graduated with a Master of Music degree in orchestral conducting from The University of Texas at Austin, where he conducted performances at the Butler Opera Center and served as Music Director of the University Orchestra.

Visit Website >>