Cincinnati Opera Music Director: The Best of Both Worlds

Cincinnati Opera Music Director Evans Mirageas shares his thoughts on the best of both worlds – opera and music.

Cincinnati Opera Music Director: The Best of Both Worlds

Cincinnati Opera’s music director position is a unique one. The music director leads the artistic vision for the company and is responsible for the musical quality of the productions, while the general director manages the business side. This means that the music director needs to have a combination of business acumen and artistry.

Cincinnati Opera Music Director: The Best of Both Worlds

Cincinnati Opera Music Director: The Best of Both Worlds

As the music director of the Cincinnati Opera, Mark Gibson has the best of both worlds. He gets to work with world-renowned singers and conductors, and he gets to do it in his hometown.

“It’s a great Fit for me,” says Gibson, who grew up in Loveland, Ohio, just outside of Cincinnati. “I have a lot of family here, and I’m very familiar with the city and the arts community. And there’s something really special about conducting an opera in your hometown.”

Gibson, who is in his fourth season as music director, is also a member of the faculty at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He conducts CCM’s Opera Theatre program and teaches conducted ensembles. In addition to his work with Cincinnati Opera and CCM, Gibson is also music director of LexingtonPhilharmonic and Orchestre Philharmonique de Nice in France.

The Best of Both Worlds: Cincinnati Opera Music Director

Cincinnati Opera Music Director talking about the best of both worlds in the opera industry.
Finding the right mix of tradition and innovation is a key challenge for any arts organization. And it’s one that Lucien Barbarin, music director of the Cincinnati Opera, is happy to take on.

“I see my role as being kind of a bridge between the old and the new,” says Barbarin, who is currently in his fourth season with the company. “I’m very respectful of tradition, but I also believe in trying new things and taking risks. I think that’s what keeps art relevant and exciting.”

Barbarin’s approach seems to be working. Under his leadership, Cincinnati Opera has enjoyed increased attendance and critical acclaim. He has programmed a mix of well-known operas and lesser-known works, as well as commissioning new works by contemporary composers.

And while Barbarin is proud of the progress that Cincinnati Opera has made during his tenure, he is quick to point out that there is still room for improvement. “I think we can be even bolder in our programming,” he says. “I’d like to see us take more risks and really push the envelope in terms of what people expect from an opera company.”

Opera companies around the country are certainly taking notice of Barbarin and his innovative approach to opera production. If Cincinnati Opera continues on its current trajectory, it may just become one of the leading opera companies in the country –thanks in large part to its music director’s commitment to finding the best of both worlds.

Cincinnati Opera Music Director: The Best of Both Worlds

Cincinnati Opera’s Music Director, James Conlon, is the best of both worlds. He’s a world-renowned conductor and an accomplished opera singer. He’s also a talented pianist and a gifted composer. Conlon has conducted some of the world’s most prestigious orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic and the London Symphony Orchestra. He’s also sung leading roles in operas by Wagner, Verdi, and Puccini.

Cincinnati Opera Music Director: The Best of Both Worlds

combination of music director and principal conductor in which the music director has artistic control over the opera company and their productions while the principal conductor leads the company’s orchestra. The best of both worlds, this type of musical leadership provides a harmonious balance of interpretation and execution.

The Best of Both Worlds: Cincinnati Opera Music Director

Cincinnati Opera’s Music Director, James Conlon, is known for his passion for both contemporary and classic works. His diverse repertoire and ability to connect with audiences have made him one of the most popular and respected conductors in the business.

Conlon first made a name for himself in the opera world with his performances of contemporary operas by composers such as Alban Berg, Benjamin Britten, and Dmitri Shostakovich. In recent years, he has become equally well-known for his interpretations of traditional works by Giuseppe Verdi, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Richard Wagner.

Cincinnati Opera’s 2018 season will feature a mix of both contemporary and classic works, including the world premiere of Anthony Davis’ opera “The Central Park Five” and Verdi’s “La traviata.” Conlon will conduct both operas, giving audiences a chance to experience his mastery of two very different styles.