Role

:

Conductor

Birth

:

March 15, 1980 in Timișoara, Romania

 

Cristian Măcelaru is a Romanian-American conductor who has made a name for himself in the classical music world. Born on February 22, 1980, in Timișoara, Romania, Măcelaru showed an early interest in music and began playing the violin at the age of four. His parents, both musicians, recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Măcelaru's early musical education took place in Romania, where he studied at the George Enescu Music School in Bucharest. He later moved to the United States to continue his studies at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan. After completing his high school education, Măcelaru attended the University of Miami, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in violin performance. After completing his undergraduate studies, Măcelaru continued his education at the Rice University Shepherd School of Music in Houston, Texas. There, he studied conducting with Larry Rachleff and earned a Master of Music degree in orchestral conducting. He also studied with David Zinman at the Aspen Music Festival and School in Colorado. Măcelaru's career as a conductor began in 2005, when he was appointed as the assistant conductor of the Houston Symphony. He quickly made a name for himself and was promoted to associate conductor in 2007. During his time with the Houston Symphony, Măcelaru conducted a wide range of repertoire, from classical to contemporary, and worked with many renowned soloists. In 2010, Măcelaru was appointed as the principal conductor of the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music in Santa Cruz, California. This festival is dedicated to the performance of new music, and Măcelaru's appointment was a testament to his skill and dedication to contemporary music. Măcelaru's career continued to flourish, and he was appointed as the conductor-in-residence of the Philadelphia Orchestra in 2011. He worked closely with the orchestra's music director, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, and conducted many concerts with the orchestra. In 2012, Măcelaru made his debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and he has since conducted many other major orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the San Francisco Symphony. Măcelaru's talent and dedication to music have been recognized with many awards and honors. In 2012, he was awarded the Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Award, which is given to young conductors who show exceptional promise. He was also named the winner of the 2014 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award, which is one of the most prestigious awards for young conductors. In addition to his work as a conductor, Măcelaru is also an accomplished violinist. He has performed as a soloist with many orchestras, including the Houston Symphony and the Philadelphia Orchestra. He has also recorded several albums as a violinist, including a recording of the Brahms Violin Concerto with the Houston Symphony. Măcelaru's career has been marked by many highlights, including his debut with the New York Philharmonic in 2013. He conducted a program that included works by Beethoven, Brahms, and Stravinsky, and his performance was widely praised by critics. He has also conducted many world premieres of new works, including the premiere of Jennifer Higdon's Violin Concerto with the Philadelphia Orchestra in 2009. Măcelaru's dedication to music and his talent as a conductor have made him one of the most sought-after conductors of his generation.

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