Praised as “a leader of exceptional musical gifts, who has a clear technique on the podium and an impressive rapport with audiences,” Maestro Kelly Kuo brings a dynamic versatility and nuance to a diverse repertoire, which includes 100 operas.  Currently Music Director of the Reno Chamber Orchestra, Artistic Director and Conductor of Oregon Mozart Players and Associate Artistic Director of American Lyric Theater, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to bold programming and creative initiatives.  His engagements have included productions with Lyric Opera of Chicago, Seattle Opera, Minnesota Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, Merola Opera Program, Kentucky Opera, Indianapolis Opera, Opera Columbus, and the Brevard Music Center, and concerts with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, Sunriver Music Festival, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, Walla Walla Symphony, Olympia Symphony Orchestra, and Ballet Fantastique.

In 2008, Maestro Kuo became the first conductor of Asian descent to lead a performance at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, making his company debut with Porgy and Bess.  He has since returned to lead the Chicago premiere of Charlie Parker’s Yardbird and performances featuring artists of the Ryan Opera Center.  Upcoming engagements include debuts with Glimmerglass Opera (Elizabeth Cree) and Knoxville Opera (Cendrillon), as well as a return to Minnesota Opera (The Snowy Day).