Role

:

Conductor Performer

Birth

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September 21, 1965 in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain

 

Juanjo Mena is a renowned Spanish conductor who has made a significant impact on the classical music world. Born in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, in 1965, Mena began his musical journey at a young age. He started playing the piano when he was just six years old and later learned to play the violin and the trumpet. Mena's passion for music led him to pursue a career in conducting, and he went on to study at the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Bilbao and the Royal College of Music in London. Mena's talent as a conductor was quickly recognized, and he began to receive invitations to conduct orchestras around the world. In 1999, he was appointed the principal conductor of the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra, a position he held for ten years. During his tenure, Mena transformed the orchestra into one of the most respected in Spain, earning critical acclaim for his innovative programming and dynamic performances. In 2008, Mena was appointed the principal conductor of the BBC Philharmonic, one of the UK's leading orchestras. He quickly established himself as a dynamic and innovative conductor, earning praise for his ability to bring out the best in the orchestra. Under his leadership, the BBC Philharmonic has become known for its adventurous programming and high-quality performances. Mena has also worked with many other orchestras around the world, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Oslo Philharmonic, the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. He has conducted at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Musikverein in Vienna, and the Carnegie Hall in New York. One of the highlights of Mena's career was his performance at the 2011 Proms, where he conducted the BBC Philharmonic in a program of Spanish music. The concert was a huge success, with Mena receiving a standing ovation from the audience. He has also conducted at the Edinburgh International Festival, the Salzburg Festival, and the BBC Proms in the Park. Mena has received numerous awards and accolades for his work as a conductor. In 2011, he was awarded the Gold Medal of Fine Arts by the Spanish government, one of the country's highest cultural honors. He has also been awarded the Euskadi Prize for Culture, the City of Bilbao Prize for Culture, and the National Prize for Music. Mena is known for his passion for contemporary music and has commissioned and premiered many new works by leading composers. He has also recorded extensively, with over 30 recordings to his name. His recordings have received critical acclaim and have won several awards, including the Gramophone Award for Best Orchestral Recording. In addition to his work as a conductor, Mena is also a respected educator. He has taught at the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Bilbao and the Royal College of Music in London and has given masterclasses around the world. He is committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians and is passionate about making classical music accessible to a wider audience. In conclusion, Juanjo Mena is a highly respected and accomplished conductor who has made a significant contribution to the classical music world. His passion for music, innovative programming, and dynamic performances have earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards.

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