Devin Patrick Hughes is the Artistic Director & Conductor of Symphony of the Rockies, where his visionary leadership, innovative programming, and commitment to community connection have helped redefine what a regional orchestra can be. Since his appointment in 2013, Hughes has guided Symphony of the Rockies through a period of extraordinary artistic and organizational growth—expanding audiences, elevating the ensemble’s artistic excellence, and transforming the orchestra into a cultural home for musicians, families, and music lovers across the Denver Metro region.

Known for his energetic presence on the podium and his ability to make orchestral music feel welcoming and relevant, Hughes blends classical masterworks with contemporary voices, film music, pops, and genre-crossing collaborations that resonate with today’s audiences. Under his direction, Symphony of the Rockies now performs to consistently full houses, engages thousands of students each season through its Discovery Concert Series, and nurtures rising talent through its Emerging Artists Program and robust school partnerships.

During the pandemic, Hughes led Symphony of the Rockies through a successful artistic pivot—launching outdoor concerts, virtual performances, and inventive community initiatives that kept musicians employed and audiences connected. His programming celebrates the best of classical tradition while embracing the diverse cultural landscape of the Mountain West and the broader American experience.

In addition to his work with Symphony of the Rockies, Hughes serves as Music Director of the Boulder Symphony & Music Academy, where he has built a thriving full-time music school and helped expand the orchestra’s reach, impact, and artistic ambition. He has conducted orchestras across North America and Europe, including the Winnipeg Symphony, Colorado Symphony, San Antonio Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, and the Filarmonica Arturo Toscanini in Italy. His career includes appearances at the Toscanini, Solti, Dorati, Bergel, and Aspen conducting competitions and festivals.

A passionate advocate for music education and accessibility, Hughes leads programs for students, seniors, military families, and underserved communities, believing deeply that orchestral music is a powerful catalyst for connection and shared humanity. He also hosts the podcast One Symphony, where he highlights the stories, ideas, and creative voices shaping classical music today.

Guided by a blend of artistic excellence, curiosity, and community-centered vision, Devin Patrick Hughes continues to shape Symphony of the Rockies into a vibrant, forward-looking orchestra that brings people together through the joy, inspiration, and transformative power of live music.