Internationally acclaimed conductor · Expressive leadership · Inspiring musical vision
Internationally acclaimed conductor · Expressive leadership · Inspiring musical vision
Born in Cuba, Cosette Justo Valdés is a rising international voice in orchestral music. She currently serves as Artistic and Music Director of the Vancouver Island Symphony in British Columbia. Throughout her career, she has conducted leading orchestras across North America and Europe, including the Minnesota Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, and National Arts Centre Orchestra.
She has also appeared with renowned European ensembles, including the Brussels Philharmonic, Ulster Orchestra, and Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen. Previously, Cosette served as Resident Conductor of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra from 2019 to 2025, where she became known for imaginative programming, engaging performances, and her ability to connect audiences with orchestral music.
Cosette believes orchestral music should continue to grow, evolve, and reflect a wide range of experiences. As a result, she is a passionate advocate for new music, women composers, and composers from Indigenous and underrepresented communities.
Her programs have featured works by Gabriella Smith, Jocelyn Morlock, Missy Mazzoli, Amy Beach, Vivian Fung, Anna Clyne, Gabriela Ortiz, and many others. Through thoughtful programming, she creates opportunities for audiences to discover new voices while experiencing the emotional power of the orchestral tradition.
Explore upcoming Regina Symphony Orchestra concerts featuring innovative programming and inspiring performances.
READ MORE
Beyond the traditional concert experience, Cosette creates programs that bring together music and other artistic disciplines. Her performances often incorporate poets, dancers, actors, narrators, jazz musicians, and artists from diverse cultural backgrounds.
She has collaborated with internationally celebrated artists including Esperanza Spalding, Terri Lyne Carrington, Kinan Azmeh, Cris Derksen, and Jeremy Dutcher. Through these collaborations, Cosette explores new ways to experience orchestral music while creating meaningful connections between artists and audiences.
Cosette’s Cuban heritage remains an important part of her artistic identity. Earlier in her career, she served as Music Director of the Orquesta Sinfónica de Oriente in Santiago de Cuba for nine years. During this time, she expanded the orchestra’s repertoire and championed both traditional and contemporary Cuban music.
She continues to celebrate Cuba’s rich musical history by sharing the works of composers including Amadeo Roldán, Alejandro García Caturla, Julián Orbón, Gonzalo Roig, Rodrigo Prats, and Ernesto Lecuona. Additionally, she has appeared as a guest conductor with the Orquesta Nacional de Cuba in Havana, further strengthening her connection to Cuba’s vibrant musical traditions.
With international experience, creative curiosity, and a commitment to meaningful musical storytelling, Cosette Justo Valdés brings a distinctive artistic voice to the Regina Symphony Orchestra.
As the RSO searches for its next Music Director, audiences have the opportunity to experience her leadership, artistry, and vision for the future of orchestral music.
Discover the full Regina Symphony Orchestra 2026/27 Season, including performances featuring the Music Director Candidates.
Monday to Friday | 9 to 4:30
Closed on stat holidays and Friday afternoons in the summer
Phone 306-586-9555
James Kahane | Music Director Candidate
