About

Recognized for his ability to communicate his infectious passion for music to fellow musicians and audiences alike, Stephen Michael Smith serves as Music Director of The Orchestra at Shelter Rock in Manhasset, NY and the Danbury Community Orchestra in Danbury, CT. In spring 2024, he completed 14 year tenure as Music Director with the Symphonic Pops Orchestra of Long Island.

Maestro Smith has conducted performances throughout the United States, Russia, and Europe. He was chosen twice to participate in the International Northern Baltic Festival at the historic Hermitage Theatre of the State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia. He has appeared on PBS and has lead world premieres of many significant orchestral, choral, and chamber music works. During his tenures as Music Director/Conductor of the Shrewsbury Chorale and the Dalton Alumni Chorale, he prepared both institutions for their Carnegie Hall debuts with New York Grand Opera.

Mr. Smith received his first professional appointment at the age of 11. He studied with Vincent La Selva at The Juilliard School, and coached privately with Mariusz Smolij (Poland) and with Alexander Polishchuck (Russia). He was a protégé of the renowned concert organist Claire Coci.

Stephen Michael Smith has taught at the University of Hawaii, Hartwick College, and the American Academy of Music. He previously held the positions of Executive Director of the San Francisco Opera Guild, Development Director of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Interim Director of the Merola Opera Program and Consultant with the University of California at San Francisco, The Wolf Trap Institute for the Arts, and Opera Southwest.