Rodrigo Gonzalez-Jacob

Rodrigo González Jacob is an orchestral conductor whose career bridges South and North America, blending rigorous classical training with a bold, contemporary approach to the podium. Since relocating to the United States, he has served as Assistant Conductor with Eugene Ballet and Orchestra Next, conducting local and touring productions, while also collaborating in fellow and cover conducting roles with ensembles including the Oregon Symphony, Alabama Symphony, Eugene Symphony, and Opera San José, where he joins as Resident Conductor in the 2026–27 season.

In less than two years, he completed his professional debut as a symphony, ballet, and opera conductor in the U.S.

Beginning the 2026–27 season, he has been appointed Resident Conductor of Opera San José in California.

Opera San Jose Unveils Artist Residence Roster ➤

Upcoming Concerts 2016

Guest conducting Mahler's Symphony No. 1 in D Major, "Titan," with the National Youth Orchestra of Argentina

— August 1 · Facultad de Derecho Auditorium

— August 2 · Sala Sinfónica, Palacio Libertad

In Argentina, Rodrigo founded and led the Camerata and Academic Orchestra at the National University of the Arts for over a decade as Artistic Director and Principal Conductor.

He also held the position of Principal Guest Conductor of the National Symphonic Band for the Blind (Banda Sinfónica Nacional de Ciegos).

Trained through programs with the Argentine National Symphony Orchestra, Teatro Colón, and the Federal Orchestral Conducting Fellowship.

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References

Maestro Jooyong (International orchestra conductor and university conducting teacher / RICE UNIVERSITY): When on the podium, he commands the respect of both his musicians and his audience,engaging their trust with his clarity and inspiring them with his musicality. I consider Mr. Jacob to be without question one of the most gifted young conductors in Argentina.

William Westney (Pianist, Pedagogy and School of Music, Texas Tech University): He kept the standards high , wasn’t so easy to please; they had to concentrate and do their best with some rather challenging music ; yet they always felt encouraged and, in the end, did really well. In addition, I observed his remarkably graceful physical style of conducting – a pleasure to watch. Naturally balletic and at the same time clear and precise.

Berhard Scully (Canadian Brass Former Soloist / Teacher at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ): It has been a true pleasure to get to know Rodrigo... He is a musician of the highestorder, possessing a keen sense of phrasing, and overall musicality in his conducting. He is an especially kind person who possesses a keen intellect with an engaging demeaner. His conducting technique is excellent. He commands the stage well both in terms of his connection with the players and his connection with the audience. He has great musical instincts and especially has a wonderful sense of musical curiosity. I have often thought of him as a true musical revolutionary.