Taichi Fukumura joins KD SCHMID

KD SCHMID US is thrilled to welcome Taichi Fukumura for General Management. The Japanese American conductor has been Assistant Conductor of The Cleveland Orchestra since September 2025 and is Music Director of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, where he has led an ongoing initiative to broaden the repertoire of the orchestra. 

"I have admired the integrity and care with which KD SCHMID guides their artists, and their commitment to fostering long-term artistic growth. I am thrilled to join their esteemed roster for General Management and look forward to working with the wonderful team for many years to come." – Taichi Fukumura 

“We are delighted to welcome Taichi to our family of artists. In addition to his remarkable artistry, we have been deeply impressed by his warm, engaging, and intelligent presence on the podium, as well as his thoughtful and curious approach to programming. We look forward to working closely with Taichi and supporting the continued development of what promises to be a very exciting career.” – Karen McDonald, President KD SCHMID US

 Second Prize Winner of The Mahler Competition 2023, and a four-time recipient of the Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Award, Fukumura’s recent and upcoming engagements include debuts with the Utah and North Carolina symphonies as well as the Bamberg Symphony and the Yomiuri Nippon Symphony. He recently stepped in to conduct two highly successful performances of Verdi’s Requiem with The Cleveland Orchestra on tour in Florida.