Enrico Lopez-Yañez: Reimagining Orchestras with Pops and Cultural Relevance
Enrico Lopez-Yañez
Enrico Lopez-Yañez is a conductor with a vision that transcends traditional boundaries. As the Principal Pops Conductor for the Nashville Symphony, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and Pacific Symphony—and holding similar roles with the Indianapolis Symphony and Dallas Symphony—Lopez-Yañez is not just reshaping the role of the pops conductor; he’s redefining how orchestras engage with their communities. With a bold, inclusive approach to programming and an eye for collaboration, he is ensuring that orchestras remain relevant and accessible in the 21st century.
Born in San Diego to a musical family, Lopez-Yañez’s early years were a mosaic of musical exploration, spanning mariachi, punk rock, and traditional classical music. It’s this diversity that informs his unique approach to programming today. “All those musical experiences shaped me,” Lopez-Yañez reflects. “It wasn’t until I found myself in the pops world that I realized how much they’d prepared me for this.” His rise to prominence began with his appointment as Assistant Conductor of the Nashville Symphony, where he quickly discovered the potential of pops programming to reach broader audiences. From there, his journey has been one of constant innovation, bridging genres and collaborating with artists to create programs that blend pop culture and classical artistry seamlessly. “For me, pops isn’t just a way to sell tickets,” he explains. “It’s about making music that reflects the world we live in today.”
Among Lopez-Yañez’s standout projects is La Vida Loca, a high-energy orchestral celebration of Latin pop hits from the 1990s and early 2000s. Co-created with trumpeter José Sibaja, the program brings together iconic tracks from Shakira, Ricky Martin, and Gloria Estefan, reimagined for a full orchestra. “It’s a celebration of the music I grew up with,” he shares. “But it’s also an opportunity to introduce this repertoire to audiences who may have never considered it in an orchestral setting.” Another major endeavor is his collaboration with country music legend Dolly Parton, producing a symphonic showcase of her most beloved hits. The project, a partnership with Shermer Theatrical, integrates Parton’s distinctive storytelling with lush orchestral arrangements. “Dolly’s music is timeless, and it’s been an incredible experience to work with her on this,” Lopez-Yañez says.
He is also diving into the world of film music, video game scores, and cross-genre collaborations. Recent highlights include performances with artists like Ben Folds, Joss Stone, and Pink Martini, as well as upcoming concerts featuring Tower of Power. These collaborations reflect his belief that orchestras can serve as a meeting place for all genres, connecting communities through diverse and innovative programming.
For Lopez-Yañez, the orchestra is more than a platform for classical masterpieces—it’s a cultural hub. He sees pops programming as a vital bridge between orchestras and their communities, helping dismantle the perception that symphonies are only for classical music enthusiasts. “The symphony hall should feel welcoming to everyone,” he asserts. By programming music from a variety of genres and cultures, Lopez-Yañez aims to draw new audiences while still captivating longtime supporters. One of his most ambitious projects is incorporating video game scores into his repertoire. “Video game music is some of the most exciting and complex orchestral writing today,” he explains. By performing music from popular games, he hopes to attract younger audiences and highlight the virtuosity of orchestral musicians.
Lopez-Yañez’s influence extends beyond his own podium. Through commissioning new works and developing touring shows, he’s helping expand the pops repertoire for orchestras worldwide. His work with composers like Jessica Meyer and Mason Bates exemplifies his commitment to fostering new music that challenges traditional norms. “It’s not just about preserving the orchestra—it’s about evolving it,” he says. His role as a mentor is equally important. Lopez-Yañez is dedicated to supporting emerging composers, conductors, and musicians, ensuring the future of orchestral music remains vibrant and diverse. “I see it as my responsibility to help the next generation find their voice,” he shares.
When asked about his goals, Lopez-Yañez’s focus is clear: building bridges. Whether it’s between genres, communities, or generations, his mission is to make orchestral music a reflection of the world it serves. “Success for me is when people walk into the symphony hall and see themselves reflected in the music,” he explains. “It’s about creating a space where everyone feels they belong.” With an ever-expanding list of projects, including debuts with major orchestras and collaborations with celebrated artists, Lopez-Yañez shows no signs of slowing down. “There’s so much potential to explore,” he says. “And that’s what excites me—the chance to keep pushing boundaries and creating something new.”
Through his inventive programming, collaborative spirit, and commitment to inclusivity, Enrico Lopez-Yañez is not just leading pops concerts—he’s leading a movement to reimagine what orchestras can be. As he continues to innovate, he’s ensuring that symphonic music remains dynamic, relevant, and deeply connected to the communities it serves.
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