Serena Fornay

Rising conductor Serena Fornay is recognized for her distinguished leadership, focused intentionality, and unmistakable passion, as she aspires to share the inspiration and humanity that stems from live, symphonic music with all audiences. Serena believes in the indispensable power of relationship and collaboration, acknowledging that serving our communities through music cannot be accomplished without positive and equitable partnership between conductor, musician, administrator, donor, and patron alike. Specifically passionate about breaking down barriers and stereotypes, Ms. Fornay is particularly fond of pops programming, especially live-to-film performances. 

Serena is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Conducting Performance (Orchestral) at Arizona State University, under the instruction of Dr. Alejandro Gómez-Guillén. Prior to her graduate studies, Serena completed significant work experience in arts administration for the Phoenix Symphony in both project management and developmental fundraising. Ms. Fornay holds her Bachelor’s of Music in Music Learning and Teaching from Arizona State University and has taught private, group, and classroom music instruction over the past several years. 

Serena has participated in various conducting workshops, including the Los Angeles Conducting Workshop and Competition, where she has had the privilege of conducting selections from iconic masterworks such as Tchaikovsky‘s Symphony No. 4, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2, and Schumann’s Symphony No. 4, under the instruction of Neil Thompson and Scott Weiss. Ms. Fornay’s conducting mentors have also included Tito Muñoz, Alex Amsel, and Julie Desbordes.

An active member of the Phoenix Symphony’s Young Professionals Program, Serena serves on the Young Professionals Council (YPC) as Vice Chair of Membership & Recruitment. YPC comes together to engage and cultivate a new and emerging generation of patrons and supporters through networking and fundraising, while celebrating a select group of Arizona's most accomplished and innovative young professionals. She is also a member of the Phoenix Symphony’s Women of Note Council, a dynamic and supportive women’s group seeking to inspire change and advance the arts.

Ms. Fornay is originally from Surprise, Arizona and has a passion for the unique desert culture of her home state. In her spare time, Serena enjoys writing, baking, and watching science fiction blockbusters. She also enjoys playing piano, singing, and collaborating with other musicians. Serena is a proud daughter and the oldest sister of three.