Stuart Chafetz has conducted several Pops programs with the North Carolina Symphony, most recently in 2024.

Stuart Chafetz is the Principal Pops Conductor of the Columbus Symphony and Principal Pops Conductor of the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra and Marin Symphony. He has recently been on the podium in Atlanta, Naples, Kansas City, Vancouver, and Seattle, and he leads multiple programs annually with The Phoenix Symphony.

Chafetz has collaborated with artists including Nas, Ben Folds, Natalie Merchant, Leslie Odom, Jr., En Vogue, Kenny G, The O'Jays, Chris Botti, 2 Cellos, Hanson, Kool & The Gang, Jefferson Starship, Little River Band, Brian McKnight, Roberta Flack, George Benson, The Chieftains, Jennifer Holliday, John Denver, Marvin Hamlisch, Wynonna Judd, Randy Newman, and Bernadette Peters. He has created original programs including Symphonic Genesis & Phil Collins and Totally 80s,

Chafetz previously held posts as Resident Conductor of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Associate Conductor of the Louisville Orchestra. As principal timpanist of the Honolulu Symphony for twenty years, he would also conduct annual performances of The Nutcracker with Ballet Hawaii and principals from the American Ballet Theatre; he also led concerts with the Maui Pops Orchestra.

When not on the podium, Chafetz makes his home near San Francisco. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music performance from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati and a master’s degree from the Eastman School of Music.