American conductor Andrew Grams is celebrated for his distinctive blend of intensity, vitality, and technical command, qualities that have established him as a dynamic performer, a gifted communicator with audiences, and a committed builder of orchestras. Named 2015 Conductor of the Year by the Illinois Council of Orchestras, he has appeared with many of the nation’s foremost ensembles, including the Chicago, Detroit, National, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Dallas, and Houston symphony orchestras.

In 2013, following an international search, Grams was appointed Music Director of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, where over eight seasons he developed a devoted following. His charismatic presence on the podium and approachable rapport offstage made him a cherished figure in the Elgin community.

Grams also maintains an active international profile, having conducted the Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Vancouver symphonies; Orchestre National de France; Hong Kong Philharmonic; BBC Symphony Orchestra in London; and major orchestras across Australia and New Zealand, including Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Tasmania, and Western Australia. He has appeared with the Barcelona Symphony and Het Residentie Orchestra in The Hague, led acclaimed productions of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® with New York City Ballet, and conducted the premiere of the Norwegian National Ballet’s new Nutcracker in Oslo. In September 2023 he conducted the ARD Competition Finals with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, and in September 2024 made his BBC Proms debut with Chineke! Orchestra to wide acclaim.

A dedicated educator, Grams has mentored young musicians at leading institutions including the New World Symphony, Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Curtis Institute of Music, Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, Cleveland Institute of Music, Indiana University, Manhattan School of Music, Roosevelt University, National Orchestral Institute at the University of Maryland, and the Amsterdam Conservatorium.