Role

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Composer Conductor

 

Jonathan McPhee is a renowned conductor and classical music artist who has made a significant impact on the world of music. Born in 1954 in New York City, McPhee grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. His father was a jazz musician, and his mother was a painter, which exposed him to different forms of art from a young age. McPhee began his musical journey as a pianist, but he soon discovered his passion for conducting. He studied at the Manhattan School of Music and later at the Juilliard School, where he received his Bachelor of Music degree in conducting. He continued his studies at the Tanglewood Music Center, where he was a conducting fellow. McPhee's career as a conductor began in 1979 when he was appointed as the assistant conductor of the New York Philharmonic. He worked with the orchestra for several years, and during this time, he also conducted other orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. In 1986, McPhee was appointed as the music director of the New England Conservatory Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, a position he held for 17 years. During his tenure, he transformed the orchestra into one of the best youth orchestras in the world. He also founded the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras, which is now one of the largest youth orchestra programs in the country. McPhee has conducted many major orchestras around the world, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also conducted opera productions at the Boston Lyric Opera, the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, and the New York City Opera. One of McPhee's most significant achievements was his appointment as the music director of the Boston Ballet in 1990. He held this position for 21 years, during which he transformed the ballet's music program and elevated its artistic standards. He also collaborated with many renowned choreographers, including William Forsythe, Mark Morris, and Twyla Tharp. McPhee has received many awards and honors throughout his career. In 1995, he was awarded the Outstanding Alumni Award from the Manhattan School of Music. In 2000, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Juilliard School. He was also awarded the Commonwealth Award in the Arts, Humanities, and Interpretive Sciences in 2003. McPhee has also been recognized for his contributions to the community. He has worked with many organizations, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra's Education and Community Outreach Program, the Boston Arts Academy, and the Boston Children's Chorus. He has also been a guest lecturer at many universities and conservatories, including Harvard University, the New England Conservatory, and the Tanglewood Music Center. In addition to his work as a conductor, McPhee is also a composer. He has written many works for orchestra, including "The Bostonians," which was commissioned by the Boston Pops Orchestra in 1996. He has also written works for ballet, including "The Nutcracker," which was performed by the Boston Ballet in 2005. McPhee's legacy as a conductor and classical music artist is significant. He has inspired many young musicians and has contributed to the growth and development of the classical music industry. His passion for music and his dedication to his craft have made him one of the most respected and admired conductors of his generation.

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