Talks with a Conductor of Classical Music – James Conlon

Week of May 31, 2025

Two talks with James Conlon:

What Does a Conductor Actually Do?

What Happens When Art Collides with Society?

 

 

Renowned conductor James Conlon has cultivated a vast symphonic, operatic, and choral repertoire and is one of today’s most versatile and respected conductors and educators. Mr. Conlon has spoken internationally about the power of creativity, the enduring importance of classical music, and leadership insights that resonate across industries.

Since his 1974 debut with the New York Philharmonic, Mr. Conlon has conducted virtually every major American and European symphony orchestra. He is Music Director of LA Opera, with whom he has won four Grammy Awards and led more performances than any other conductor in the company’s history, and also serves as Artistic Director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Through worldwide touring, an extensive discography and videography, numerous writings, television appearances and guest speaking engagements, he is one of classical music’s most recognized and prolific figures.

Mr. Conlon is an enthusiastic advocate of the role music plays in our shared humanity and civic life. He has worked to call attention to the works of composers silenced by the Nazi regime – which led to the creation of The OREL Foundation, the Ziering-Conlon Initiative for Recovered Voices, and his popular TEDx Talk “Resurrecting Forbidden Music.” Mr. Conlon has received numerous honorary doctorates and accolades including the Legion d’Honneur – France’s highest honor – and was personally inducted by then-President Jacques Chirac.

• Renowned International Symphonic/Operatic Conductor and Educator
• Four-Time Grammy Award-Winning Conductor, LA Opera and Music Director of the Los Angeles Opera Since 2006
• Founder of Recovered Voices and advocate for music suppressed under the Nazi Regime
• Recipient of the Legion d’Honneur – France’s highest honor