Role

:

Conductor

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Opera

 

John DeMain is a renowned American conductor and pianist who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. He was born on September 13, 1944, in Youngstown, Ohio, and grew up in a musical family. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer, which inspired him to pursue a career in music. DeMain began his musical training at an early age and showed exceptional talent as a pianist. He studied at the Juilliard School in New York City and later at the Mannes College of Music. He also received a scholarship to study at the Aspen Music Festival and School, where he worked with renowned conductors such as Leonard Bernstein and Seiji Ozawa. In 1968, DeMain made his professional debut as a pianist with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. He went on to perform with several other orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He also performed as a soloist with the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. In the 1970s, DeMain began to focus more on conducting and made his debut as a conductor with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra in 1976. He was appointed as the music director of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra in 1980 and held the position until 1994. During his tenure, he transformed the orchestra into one of the finest in the country and received critical acclaim for his performances. In 1993, DeMain was appointed as the music director of the Houston Grand Opera, where he conducted several productions, including Porgy and Bess, which was broadcast on PBS. He also conducted the world premiere of John Adams' opera, Nixon in China, which received widespread acclaim. In 1994, DeMain was appointed as the music director of the Madison Symphony Orchestra in Wisconsin, where he has been serving ever since. Under his leadership, the orchestra has grown in size and reputation and has become one of the most respected orchestras in the Midwest. DeMain has also conducted several other orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the San Francisco Symphony, and the National Symphony Orchestra. He has also conducted several opera productions, including La bohème, Carmen, and The Marriage of Figaro. Throughout his career, DeMain has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. In 1995, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Bill Clinton, which is the highest honor given to artists and arts patrons by the United States government. He has also received several Grammy nominations for his recordings, including a nomination for Best Opera Recording for his work on Porgy and Bess. In addition to his work as a conductor, DeMain is also a respected educator and has taught at several universities, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Juilliard School. He has also served as a guest conductor and lecturer at several other institutions, including the Aspen Music Festival and School and the Tanglewood Music Center. In conclusion, John DeMain is a highly respected conductor and pianist who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. His talent and dedication have earned him numerous awards and honors, and his work has inspired countless musicians and music lovers around the world.

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