Richard McKay is a conductor of the symphonic and operatic repertory across the United States, Europe and South America. An established leader in the vibrant Dallas arts community, his performances have been hailed by critics as “spellbinding,” “finely paced,” and “perfectly shaped” (D Magazine and The Dallas Morning News). He is the founder and artistic director of the Dallas Chamber Symphony.
McKay began his career working at the Baltimore Symphony and Dallas Symphony, where he assisted Günther Herbig, Carlos Kalmar, Robert Spano and Jaap van Zweden. He has led performances with the Fort Worth Symphony, Dallas Opera Orchestra, Irving Symphony, Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, Mendoza Symphony, Manhattan School of Music Symphony and Estonian National Youth Symphony, among many others.
McKay holds a doctorate in conducting from the Peabody Institute, where he studied with Gustav Meier and Markand Thakar while serving as assistant conductor and chorus master of the conservatory orchestras and opera. He continued his training at the American Academy of Conducting at Aspen and Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music with Marin Alsop. An accomplished pianist, he holds performance degrees in piano and conducting from The University of Texas at Austin where he served as music director of the University Orchestra and led productions at the Butler Opera Center.
