Gabriel Sakakeeny is the founding Music Director of the American Philharmonic - Sonoma County. As the progenitor of our orchestra and the new paradigm that is the foundation for its success, he is a living example of what 21st century leadership in the arts looks like. A graduate of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and the world-renowned Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, he has for 40 years conducted, taught, composed for, and led top tier performers throughout the United States and Canada, Western Europe, and Asia.

In writing about his work, critics have said; "Sakakeeny, the 75 piece orchestra, and violin virtuoso Solenn Seguillon electrified the audience and filled (the concert hall) with the works' harmonic splendor. To say that Gabriel Sakakeeny is a visionary would be a huge understatement." - Brian Damkroger, Stereophile magazie

"In a day when most conductors have forgotten what holds a piece of music together in performance, Sakakeeny's powerful sense of musical logic is too great a treasure to waste."- Edward Haymes, NPR Houston

"Superb! Exhilarating and exhilarated, a masterful interpretation a triumph, of inspired programming." - Terry McNeil, Classical Sonoma

"Sakakeeny is a kind of musical holy man." - David Templeton, The North Bay Bohemian

Maestro Sakakeeny is an organization builder, author, inventor, and visionary with a deep background in the arts, sciences, business, and the creative process. He is known for his extraordinary ability to communicate the essence of musical ideas and for producing breakthrough performances with all types of groups. When he speaks, each member of the audience has the experience of being spoken to personally. He has the ability to make the most abstract ideas seem concrete and real for people. He speaks with a natural authority, charisma, heartfelt authenticity, and a warm sense of humor grounded in reality.

In speaking about performing music, Maestro Sakakeeny has said that, "Intensity, joy, and beauty don't come from technical perfection, but rather from the perfection of the artist's intent. When there is no ego present, but only the music and the connection between all of us in the hall, that's when Beauty happens."