JOSEPH TRAFTON, CONDUCTOR
Joseph Trafton seeks to lead with unwavering passion, creativity, and precision in collaboration with musicians to create performances that resonate deeply with audiences of all backgrounds. With a sustained pursuit of excellence, he strives to inspire both musicians and audiences, fostering a deep connection that resonates long after the final notes have faded. He has served as Music Director of the Hagen Philharmonic Orchestra in Germany since 2017, conducting numerous symphony concerts, operas, and ballets.
Trafton’s career has taken him to prestigious concert halls, opera houses, and festivals in Austria, France, Germany, Switzerland, Finland, and the Czech Republic — experiences that spark his desire to envision orchestras and opera companies that actively engage with diverse audiences, fostering a love for classical music and opera in all corners of society. He aims to be a catalyst for artistic innovation, cultivating a repertoire that encompasses enduring treasures of the traditional repertoire while embracing the vibrant diversity of contemporary works. Through educational projects, grant-funded outreach programs for minorities and immigrants, and accessible performances targeting new audiences, he seeks ways to break down barriers and to ignite a lifelong passion for music in its diverse forms.
