Role

:

Conductor Performer

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

George Manahan is a renowned American conductor and music director, known for his exceptional contributions to the world of classical music. Born in 1949 in Asheville, North Carolina, Manahan grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. His father was a music teacher, and his mother was a pianist, which exposed him to music at an early age. Manahan began his musical journey by studying the piano and the trumpet. He later attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in trumpet performance. After graduation, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. In the early years of his career, Manahan worked as a freelance trumpet player, performing with various orchestras and ensembles. He also worked as a music educator, teaching at the Manhattan School of Music and the Juilliard School. Manahan's breakthrough in the world of classical music came in 1981 when he was appointed the music director of the Richmond Symphony Orchestra in Virginia. He held this position for six years, during which he led the orchestra to new heights of excellence. He also served as the music director of the New York City Opera from 1989 to 2010, where he conducted over 85 productions. Throughout his career, Manahan has conducted numerous orchestras and ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the San Francisco Symphony, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. He has also conducted opera productions at the Metropolitan Opera, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Santa Fe Opera. Manahan's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1999, he received the Ditson Conductor's Award, which is given annually to conductors who have made significant contributions to American music. He has also received the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) Award for Adventurous Programming of Contemporary Music. One of the highlights of Manahan's career was his involvement in the creation of the American Composers Orchestra (ACO) in 1977. He served as the ACO's music director from 1982 to 2002, during which he led the orchestra in the premieres of over 500 new works by American composers. Manahan's commitment to contemporary music has been a defining feature of his career. He has conducted numerous premieres of works by living composers, including John Adams, Philip Glass, and Steve Reich. He has also championed the works of lesser-known composers, such as Lou Harrison and Henry Cowell. In addition to his work as a conductor, Manahan has also been an advocate for music education. He has served on the faculty of the Manhattan School of Music and the Bard College Conservatory of Music, where he has mentored young musicians and conductors. Manahan's legacy in the world of classical music is a testament to his dedication, passion, and talent. He has been a champion of contemporary music, a mentor to young musicians, and a leader in the classical music community. His contributions to the world of classical music will continue to inspire and influence generations of musicians and music lovers.

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