Associate Conductor

Described by Marin Alsop as a “powerful presence on the podium,” conductor Valery Saul is known for her dynamic leadership, technical command, and charismatic rapport with both musicians and audiences alike. In the 2026/27 season, she joined the Nashville Symphony as Associate Conductor, working alongside Music Director Leonard Slatkin. 

From 2023 to 2026, Saul served as the Associate Conductor of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and she is a regular cover conductor for the Oregon Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, and Charlotte Symphony. Valery is an alumna of the Dallas Opera's Hart Institute for Women Conductors.

In 2023, she attended the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, the Romanian Chamber Orchestra Masterclass with Cristian Măcelaru, and served as Conducting Fellow at the Bellingham Festival of Music with Marcelo Lehninger. Valery has participated in numerous masterclasses including the Buffalo Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre Métropolitain, and Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

A graduate of  Peabody Conservatory of Music, University of British Columbia,  and Portland State University, she holds degrees in both Conducting and Vocal Performance. Her mentors include Marin Alsop, Cristian Măcelaru, Nicole Paiement, Marcelo Lehninger, Miguel Harth-Bedoya, and George Manahan.