Guest conducting
His engagements have included the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Virginia Symphony Orchestra, The Florida Orchestra, Jacksonville Symphony and Orlando Philharmonic, as well as musicians of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
Music Director and Conductor. An artistic vision rooted in orchestral excellence, collaboration and music that connects people.
Todd Craven brings a distinguished career spanning major American symphony orchestras, opera, and artistic leadership to the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, combining extensive professional experience with a deep commitment to building orchestras that connect with their communities.
In the orchestra's 40th-anniversary season, he serves as Artistic Director and Conductor of the NFSO and Music Director of the Orlando Contemporary Chamber Orchestra. His approach combines traditional repertoire with a strong commitment to contemporary composers and collaboration with musicians.
Craven has appeared with professional orchestras across the United States and abroad.
His engagements have included the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Virginia Symphony Orchestra, The Florida Orchestra, Jacksonville Symphony and Orlando Philharmonic, as well as musicians of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
International appearances include the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Poland's Radom Chamber Orchestra, the Karlovy Vary Philharmonic in the Czech Republic and the St. Petersburg Chamber Philharmonic in Russia. He has also been invited to conduct Brazil's Goiânia Symphony Orchestra.
His collaborations include tenor Lawrence Brownlee, violinist Rachel Barton Pine, pianist Anne-Marie McDermott and author-narrator Jamie Bernstein. He has also assisted with recording projects involving Gil Shaham, Béla Fleck and Eric Jacobsen.
As Associate Conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Craven worked closely with Music Director JoAnn Falletta. He led pops, education and community concerts, gaining experience in both the artistic and public-facing work of a major orchestra.
Drawing on his own years as an orchestral musician, he values clear communication, stylistic integrity and a collaborative rehearsal environment.
Craven won the Grand Prize at the 2019 Los Angeles Conducting Competition. Earlier appointments include Assistant Conductor of Florida Grand Opera and Music Director of the University of Michigan Life Sciences Orchestra and Michigan Pops Orchestra.
His mentors include Kenneth Kiesler, Marin Alsop, Donald Schleicher, Larry Rachleff and William Wiedrich.
Before conducting, Craven built a career as a trumpet player. He served as Principal Trumpet of the Sarasota Orchestra, performed with the New York Philharmonic and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and appeared frequently at the Sarasota Music Festival.
Visit Todd Craven's websiteDiscover the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra's 2026–27 anniversary concert season at Mattie Kelly Arts Center.