Fernanda Lastra

Fernanda Lastra, interim orchestra director, earned her Doctor of Musical Arts in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Iowa and her master’s degree from Penn State University. An Argentine conductor with an active international presence, Lastra has appeared with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra in the Masterworks Series, the Orquesta Filarmónica de la UNAM in Mexico City, and most recently made her debut with the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de Chile. She served as assistant conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra from 2022 to 2025, working alongside Music Director JoAnn Falletta. Alongside her performing career, she has collaborated with student and emerging orchestras — most recently as music director of the Buffalo State Philharmonia, which she led for two seasons. Her work centers on audience-building, community engagement, and a deep belief in the artistic capacity of every ensemble she leads. Lastra brings to Smith the perspective of both worlds — the professional stage and the development of young musicians.