Kristo Kondakçi

David and Janet McCue Music Director,

Celebrated for his electrifying intensity and profound musical storytelling, conductor Kristo Kondakçi has unequivocally established himself as a pioneering force and rising star in contemporary orchestral leadership.

His captivating passion and deep grasp of musical narratives manifest with unparalleled physical vigor on the conductor's podium. Each performance under his leadership becomes a journey, marked equally by emotional depth and impeccable technique.

Kondakçi’s tenure with K²O has been marked by innovative initiatives, such as the "Symphony for Science,” a benefit concert that blends insightful talks from scientific leaders with impactful musical performances, raising funds for healthcare initiatives. In January 2023, under Kondakçi's direction, K²O took on a commissioned project from Pfizer to elevate awareness for those affected by rare diseases, leading to the creation of "Come and Walk a Mile," an anthem birthed by youth grappling with rare diseases.

In 2014, Kondakçi's international career was ignited with an invitation to lead the National Albanian Orchestra, a pivotal engagement that showcased his versatility as a conductor of both symphonic and operatic works. Further, his tenure as Assistant Conductor with the Boston Landmarks Orchestra and as Conducting Fellow of both the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra from 2015 to 2018 bolstered his reputation in American orchestral circles.

As Music Director of the Eureka Ensemble, Kondakçi has initiated transformative musical programs focusing on immigrant and refugee youth and those affected by homelessness in Boston. He also co-founded the Women's Chorus in 2018, underscoring his dedication to community engagement and the transformative power of music. Impressively, a 2018 video showcasing the chorus resonated globally, amassing millions of views and inspiring analogous endeavors elsewhere.

Further highlighting his multifaceted contributions, Kondakçi serves as an assistant professor at the Berklee College of Music and maintains affiliations with esteemed institutions like NEC and Harvard University.

Kondakçi has distinguished himself not only in musical arenas but also as a speaker. His presentations at TEDxBoston in 2018 and the League of American Orchestras in 2019 underscore his influence in both domains.

From a young age, Kondakçi's affinity for music was unmistakable. Initially a self-taught pianist, he later honed his skills at the New England Conservatory (NEC)'s preparatory school during his high school years. His dedication to music led him to earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Composition and Conducting at NEC. Notably, during his academic years, he undertook the monumental task of reconstructing the earliest 1889 version of Mahler's first symphony, a masterpiece lost to time for over a century. This monumental project not only garnered national and international recognition but also culminated in a noteworthy performance by NEC’s Philharmonia in 2011.

Born in Tirana, Albania, in 1991, Kondakçi's journey from a political refugee to a celebrated conductor embodies the resilience, passion, and undying spirit of his lineage. During the 20th-century dictatorship of Enver Hoxha, his family faced relentless persecution. At just ten years of age, Kondakçi's mother, along with her immediate family, was exiled. Her father, Kondakçi’s grandfather, a notable musician, subsequently faced arrest and an 8-year imprisonment for political agitation, simply because he championed Western music. Tragically, the brother of Kondakçi’s grandfather, a distinguished accordionist and doctor, was executed for similar reasons. Due to the family's political standing, many other of Kondakçi’s relatives had to confront varying intensities of repression—from exile to imprisonment and, tragically, execution—for over 40 years.

In the wake of the collapse of the Albanian regime, catalyzed by broader shifts in Eastern Europe during the 1980s, Albania's borders reopened for the first time since the 1940s. This momentous change afforded Kondakçi’s parents an opportunity to escape. Shortly after the birth of Kondakçi and his brother, they sought sanctuary in the United States as political refugees. The formidable challenges they encountered upon arrival — from having no money, no local connections, to no knowledge of the English language — did not deter them. With indomitable will, they not only established a new life but also illuminated a path for their children to pursue and actualize their dreams. This legacy profoundly shaped Kondakçi's character, imbuing him with an unwavering belief in the transformative power of music. His artistic endeavors stand as a heartfelt tribute, reflecting deep gratitude for the sacrifices, resilience, and hope exemplified by his family — the very pillars of his success.

Kondakçi now resides in Boston with his wife, Chloe, surrounded by a loving family that continually inspires and nurtures his musical aspirations.