He has long been one of classical music’s most compelling advocates, but somewhere along the way, Conlon has fully assumed the mantle of the most accomplished music director currently on the podium of an American opera house.
Opera News, July 2019
...one of America's leading conductors...
The New York Times
James Conlon, one of today’s most versatile and respected conductors, has cultivated a vast symphonic, operatic and choral repertoire. Since his 1974 debut with the New York Philharmonic, he has conducted virtually every major American and European symphony orchestra. Through worldwide touring, an extensive discography and videography, numerous essays and commentaries, frequent television appearances and guest speaking engagements, Mr. Conlon is one of classical music’s most recognized interpreters.
Read full bioConlon is the real thing: a master of the orchestra with genuine theatricality and no discernible narcissism.
Los Angeles Times
The initiative launches the new website MusicRestored.org and a recording series featuring works by Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Schulhoff, and others {…}
James Conlon launches his 20th and final season as Music Director of LA Opera conducting Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story. His 70th {…}
October 18, 2025
James Conlon and Rod Gilfry lead a master class with artists from LA Opera’s Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program and the Young Musicians Choral Orchestra
Thayer Hall at Colburn
Los Angeles, CA
October 19, 2025
James Conlon, Frederica von Stade, Rod Gilfry, and Kevin Murphy engage in discussion; with performances by singers from LA Opera’s Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program, Ravinia Festival’s Steans Institute, the Young Musicians Choral Orchestra, and Colburn piano students
Zipper Hall at Colburn
Los Angeles, CA
October 31, 2025
Mozart's “Idomeneo” ballets K. 367 & Brahms' Symphony No. 4
Manzoni Auditorium
Bologne, Italy
He is a miracle of equilibrium: his dramatic intuition never fails, nor betrays the transparency of the music…
Le Monde de la Musique