WACO, Texas – The Waco Symphony Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Rebekah Lambert as Music Director and Conductor of the Waco Symphony Youth Orchestra, as well as Co-Assistant Conductor of the Waco Symphony Orchestra. In addition, Lydia Gravagne has been named Administrator of the Waco Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Lambert will serve as Co-Assistant Conductor of the Waco Symphony Orchestra alongside Trey Thompson during the 2025-2026 season, supporting the orchestra’s continued growth and artistic excellence under the direction of Music Director and Conductor Lawrence Loh.

A Baylor alumna, Rebekah Lambert holds a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting and a Master of Music in Collaborative Piano, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Piano Performance, all from Baylor University. Her broad musical background and exceptional leadership experience in both conducting and education make her an exciting addition to the Waco Symphony’s artistic team.

“Rebekah is an exceptionally talented conductor and musician with a strong sense of professionalism, musical insight and ambition,” said Andrew Crust, music director of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra and Lima Symphony Orchestra. “She is exactly the kind of thoughtful, committed artist who can make a lasting impact in both professional and educational settings.”

Dr. Lesley McAllister, professor of Piano and Director of Keyboard Studies at Baylor University, shared: “Rebekah models excellence, clear communication, dedication and organization. Her interactions with her teachers, peers and students demonstrate a great respect for others and a strong concern for their unique needs—qualities that influence her teaching and leadership in a very positive way.”

In her role with the Waco Symphony Youth Orchestra, Lambert will conduct the orchestra and provide mentorship to young musicians in Central Texas. Most are in the 8^th through 12^th grades, but talented younger musicians are welcome to audition. WSYO has announced that auditions and the concerto competition for 2025-2026 will be held on Sunday, August 31, from 1:30-5:00 p.m. in the Glennis McCrary Music Building on Baylor University campus (110 Baylor Ave, Waco, TX 76706). WSYO performs two free concerts annually; concerts will take place on Sunday, October 26 and Sunday, February 22 at 6:30 pm in Jones Hall in the McCrary Music Building at Baylor University. 

Joining her in that mission is Lydia Gravagne, who has been appointed Waco Symphony Youth Orchestra Administrator. Gravagne brings a passion for music education and youth engagement and will be responsible for operational and administrative coordination of the youth orchestra’s activities. Gravagne played cello for seven years in WSYO, earned a TMEA All-State designation for three years, and is entering Baylor University this fall.

“We are thrilled to welcome both Rebekah and Lydia to the Waco Symphony Youth Orchestra,” said Carolyn Bess, executive director of the Waco Symphony Association. “Their combined talent and energy will strengthen our youth program and help inspire the next generation of musicians.”

For more than 60 years, the Waco Symphony has presented world-class performances to enrich the cultural life of the Central Texas community. With these new appointments, the Symphony continues its legacy of excellence and education.