George Manahan Tickets

Music Scene

George Manahan is a renowned American conductor known for his exceptional achievements in the Classical music scene. He has been acclaimed for his remarkable contributions to the development of the classical music genre, particularly in contemporary classical music.

Born in Los Angeles, California, George Manahan developed an early interest in music. He started by playing the piano and the violin and later pursued his studies at the Manhattan School of Music and the Peabody Conservatory of Music at the Johns Hopkins University. With over 40 years of experience in conducting, he has earned several accolades for his outstanding leadership and dedication to the craft.

Among the many notable accomplishments that Manahan has achieved include his role as the music director of the New York City Opera from 1989-2010, where he was responsible for bringing to life some of the most iconic operatic performances and reviving forgotten repertoire. He has also conducted the American Composers Orchestra and served as the music director of the Richmond Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, Manahan has lent his talent to many orchestras around the world as a guest conductor, including the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hong Kong Philharmonic, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

Manahan is particularly well-known for his advocacy for contemporary classical music. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with some of the most prominent composers of our time, including Philip Glass, Steve Reich, John Adams, and George Crumb. He has premiered more than 75 new works in just the last two decades, establishing himself as a key figure in advancing contemporary classical music.

One of his most successful projects has been his work with the American Composers Orchestra as its conducting director, where he played a pivotal role in promoting new music by American composers. His contribution to the orchestra's success is incontrovertible; he recorded several albums with the group and landed them prestigious performance opportunities such as the BBC Proms.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Classical music scene, Manahan has received several awards and honours. These include the Ditson Conductor's Award in 2015 and the Champion of New Music Award in 2018 from the American Composers Forum.

In conclusion, George Manahan's legacy in the classical music scene is undeniable. His remarkable achievements in conducting contemporary classical music have cemented his place as one of the greatest conductors of our time. He continues to inspire many young musicians and conductors who aspire to follow in his footsteps and make a significant contribution to the world of classical music.