Role

:

Conductor

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Juan Pablo Izquierdo is a renowned conductor and music educator who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on August 30, 1947, in Santiago, Chile, Izquierdo grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. His father was a composer and conductor, and his mother was a pianist. From a young age, Izquierdo showed a keen interest in music and began studying the violin and piano. Izquierdo's musical education began at the National Conservatory of Music in Santiago, where he studied violin and conducting. He later continued his studies at the University of Chile, where he earned a degree in musicology. In 1970, he received a scholarship to study at the Tanglewood Music Center in Massachusetts, where he studied with renowned conductors such as Leonard Bernstein and Seiji Ozawa. After completing his studies, Izquierdo returned to Chile and began his career as a conductor. He quickly gained recognition for his talent and was appointed the principal conductor of the Chilean National Symphony Orchestra in 1974. During his tenure, he led the orchestra in numerous performances and recordings, including the first complete recording of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 8 in Latin America. In 1977, Izquierdo was invited to conduct the New York Philharmonic, which marked the beginning of his international career. He went on to conduct many of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Vienna Philharmonic. He also served as the principal conductor of the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra from 1987 to 1993. Throughout his career, Izquierdo has been recognized for his contributions to classical music. In 1982, he was awarded the Chilean National Prize for the Arts, and in 1991, he received the Order of Merit from the Chilean government. He has also been awarded honorary doctorates from several universities, including the University of Chile and the University of Miami. In addition to his work as a conductor, Izquierdo has been a dedicated music educator. He has taught at several universities, including the University of Chile, the University of Miami, and the New England Conservatory of Music. He has also served as a guest conductor and lecturer at numerous music festivals and institutions around the world. Izquierdo's repertoire is diverse and includes works from a wide range of composers, from Bach and Mozart to contemporary composers such as John Adams and Osvaldo Golijov. He is particularly known for his interpretations of the music of Latin American composers, including Heitor Villa-Lobos and Alberto Ginastera. One of Izquierdo's most notable performances was his 1987 recording of Villa-Lobos' Bachianas Brasileiras No. 9 with the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra. The recording received critical acclaim and was nominated for a Grammy Award. Izquierdo's interpretation of the work was praised for its sensitivity and attention to detail. Another highlight of Izquierdo's career was his 1992 performance of Mahler's Symphony No. 2 with the Berlin Philharmonic. The performance was part of the Berliner Festwochen, a prestigious music festival in Germany. Izquierdo's interpretation of the work was praised for its emotional depth and powerful impact. Izquierdo's dedication to music education has also been a significant part of his career. He has worked with young musicians through programs such as the Youth Orchestra of the Americas and the New World Symphony.

More....