Role

:

Conductor

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Romantic

 

 

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Opera

 

 

Orchestral

 

Christopher Keene was a renowned American conductor and opera director who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on December 21, 1946, in Berkeley, California, Keene showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. He later studied music at the University of California, Berkeley, and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Keene's career in music began in the early 1970s when he became the music director of the Oakland Symphony Orchestra. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented conductor and was soon invited to conduct other major orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his work as a conductor, Keene was also a respected opera director. He made his debut as an opera director in 1974 with a production of Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro" at the Santa Fe Opera. He went on to direct productions at many of the world's leading opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Paris Opera. One of Keene's most significant contributions to the world of classical music was his work as the artistic director of the New York City Opera. He held this position from 1989 until 1995 and was responsible for overseeing the company's artistic direction during a period of significant growth and change. Under his leadership, the New York City Opera became known for its innovative productions and commitment to contemporary opera. Keene was also a champion of contemporary music and worked closely with many of the leading composers of his time. He conducted the premieres of numerous new works, including John Adams' "Nixon in China" and Philip Glass' "Akhnaten." Throughout his career, Keene received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. In 1986, he was awarded the Ditson Conductor's Award, which is given annually to a conductor who has made significant contributions to American music. He was also awarded the National Opera Institute's Award for Achievement in Opera in 1990. Sadly, Keene's career was cut short when he passed away on October 8, 1995, at the age of 48. He had been diagnosed with lung cancer just a few months earlier. Despite his untimely death, Keene's legacy lives on through his recordings, which continue to be celebrated by classical music enthusiasts around the world.

More....