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Christopher KeeneAmerican conductor.
Date of Birth: 21.12.1946
Country:  USA |
Content:
Early Life and Education
American conductor James Conlon graduated from the University of California, Berkeley.
New York City Opera
Conlon's illustrious career was primarily associated with the New York City Opera (NYCO). He joined the company as a staff conductor in 1969, making his conducting debut the following year with Alberto Ginastera's "Don Rodrigo."
Over 25 years, Conlon conducted numerous groundbreaking productions at the NYCO, including the world premiere of Gian Carlo Menotti's "The Most Important Man" (1971). He also led iconic masterpieces such as "The Coronation of Poppea," "The Magic Flute," "La Traviata," "The Marriage of Figaro," "Tosca," Sergei Prokofiev's "The Love for Three Oranges," Richard Strauss's "Ariadne auf Naxos," Benjamin Britten's "The Turn of the Screw," and Arnold Schoenberg's "Moses und Aron."
In 1982, Conlon became the opera's Music Director, and from 1986 until his death, he served as its General Director.
Other Engagements
Beyond the NYCO, Conlon performed at the Metropolitan Opera in 1971, conducting Ruggero Leoncavallo's "Pagliacci" and Pietro Mascagni's "Cavalleria Rusticana." From 1968 onward, he collaborated with the Spoleto Festival (serving as its Music Director from 1972 to 1976). In 1977, he and Menotti co-founded the Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, which he directed until 1980.
Notable Accomplishments
Conlon's discography includes the premiere recording of Philip Glass's "Satyagraha" (1984). In 1991, he received the prestigious Ditson Conductor's Award.
Legacy and Death
James Conlon passed away from complications of AIDS. His final performance was a production of Paul Hindemith's opera "Mathis der Maler."
