Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Birth

:

March 18, 1950 in Queens, NY

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

James Conlon is a renowned American conductor who has made a significant impact on the classical music world. Born on March 18, 1950, in New York City, Conlon grew up in a musical family. His father was a jazz musician, and his mother was a classical pianist. Conlon began playing the piano at a young age and showed a keen interest in music. Conlon attended the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied piano and conducting. He later continued his studies at the Aspen Music Festival and School in Colorado. In 1974, Conlon made his professional conducting debut with the New York Philharmonic, and he quickly gained a reputation as a talented and versatile conductor. Throughout his career, Conlon has conducted some of the world's most prestigious orchestras, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Vienna Philharmonic. He has also served as the music director of several prominent orchestras, including the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, the Paris National Opera, and the Los Angeles Opera. One of Conlon's most significant achievements was his tenure as the music director of the Ravinia Festival in Illinois. During his 11-year tenure, Conlon transformed the festival into one of the most respected classical music events in the world. He also introduced new programming initiatives, such as the "Rising Stars" program, which showcased young and emerging musicians. Conlon has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 2002, he was awarded the National Endowment for the Arts Opera Honors, and in 2004, he was awarded the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government. He has also been awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Austrian Cross of Honor for Science and Art. Conlon is known for his commitment to promoting lesser-known works and composers. He has recorded several albums of music by composers who have been overlooked by the classical music establishment, including Erich Wolfgang Korngold, Franz Schreker, and Alexander Zemlinsky. He has also been a vocal advocate for the music of Jewish composers who were persecuted during the Holocaust. In addition to his work as a conductor, Conlon is also a respected educator and lecturer. He has taught at several universities, including the Juilliard School, the Aspen Music Festival and School, and the University of California, Los Angeles. He has also written extensively on music and has given lectures and talks on a wide range of musical topics. Conlon's dedication to classical music and his commitment to promoting lesser-known works and composers have made him one of the most respected and influential figures in the classical music world. His passion for music and his tireless efforts to share it with others have inspired countless musicians and music lovers around the world.

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