Stephanie Childress

Franco-British conductor Stephanie Childress is recognized for her “lithe vitality” and forward-thinking musicianship. A second-prize winner at the 2020 La Maestra conducting competition, Childress serves as Principal Guest Conductor of the Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya. Her 2024–26 seasons feature debuts with the L.A. Philharmonic, San Francisco, Houston, and Toronto Symphonies, and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. In the opera house, Childress has established herself as a fine Mozartian at Glyndebourne and the Hamburg Staatsoper, while also advocating for contemporary works at Detroit Opera and Prague State Opera. Upcoming highlights include her first La traviata at the Finnish National Opera and a gala with l’Opéra de Paris. Childress’ career includes a residency at Villa Albertine and membership in the Franco-British Young Leaders’ Program. Previously the Assistant Conductor of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (2021–23), she is a dedicated supporter of youth music, holding roles at the Sun Valley Music Festival and Sarasota Music Festival. She was also among the first conductors to join l’Académie de l’Opéra national de Paris.