Dynamic, imaginative, and deeply committed to his community, Maestro Andres Lopera enters his debut season as the Music Director of Indiana's Richmond Symphony Orchestra. A trailblazing Latin American conductor in the US, Lopera has led prestigious orchestras across the Americas for over a decade.

Currently in his fifth season as Associate Conductor of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and Music Director of the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestras, Lopera's baton has guided performances with orchestras like the Colorado Symphony, Oregon Symphony, Toledo Symphony, New World Symphony, and Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra.

Lopera has also appeared in different summer festivals; he led the inaugural season of the New England Conservatory’s Summer Orchestra Institute in 2019. Other engagements include, Cabrillo Music Festival, National Repertory Orchestra and the internationally renowned Orchestra of the Americas. He also collaborated with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, covering concerts led by Gustavo Dudamel and Carlos Miguel Prieto.

Internationally, Lopera has conducted the Xalapa Symphony Orchestra, EAFIT Symphony Orchestra, and Colombia's National Symphony Orchestra. He's fostered musical connections across Central and South America, collaborating with professionals and youth orchestras in Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Honduras.

In June 2012, Lopera was appointed Music Director of the Metropolitan Youth Symphony in Portland, OR, where he oversaw a program with more than 450 Students, 12 ensembles, and 10 conducting staff. In recognition of his contributions to Portland, he received the Portland Monthly Award, Rising Star Award, and the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber Bravo Award. Additional honors include the Orgullo Colombiano Award and Egresados Que Inspiran from EAFIT University.

Born in Don Matias Antioquia, nestled in Colombia's Andes Mountains, Lopera, the only musician in a family of seven, found his passion in music's universal language. On his leisure time he enjoys hiking in nature and family time.