Fernanda Lastra

Fernanda Lastra is an accomplished conductor with extensive experience in various orchestral and educational settings. Currently serving as Assistant Conductor at the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Lastra holds the title of Conductor Diversity Fellow. Previous positions include Director of Orchestras at Augustana College and Assistant Conductor roles at the University of Iowa, where conducting responsibilities encompassed symphony, chamber orchestras, and opera programs. As Founder of Compositores.AR, Lastra initiated a project focusing on Argentinian composers. Additionally, Lastra has contributed to research on women composers at the Boulanger Initiative and has guest conducted various ensembles, including the Revival Theatre Company and Universidade Federal do Amazonas. Academic credentials include a DMA in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Iowa, a Master's degree from Penn State University, and multiple degrees in conducting and chamber music from Universidad Nacional de La Plata.