Biography

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 bio

Conlon is the real thing: a master of the orchestra with genuine theatricality and no discernible narcissism.

Los Angeles Times

Latest News

View all news

Upcoming performances

Full schedule

July 16 & 18, 2026

Mozart’s ‘The Abduction’

Starring Kathryn Lewek & Miles Mykkanen, Conlon will present a pre-concert talk on July 16 only in the Sandra K. Crown Theater

Ravinia: Martin Theatre

Highland Park, IL

Tickets

July 24, 2026

Aspen Music Festival

All-Mozart program featuring clarinetist Michael Rusinek and violinist William Yeh

Klein Music Tent

Aspen, CO

Tickets

August 13, 2026

Orff’s ‘Carmina Burana’

With the Arena Orchestra and Chorus and soloists Erin Morley, Carlo Vistoli, and Mihai Damian

Arena Di Verona

Verona, Italy

Tickets

He is a miracle of equilibrium: his dramatic intuition never fails, nor betrays the transparency of the music…

Le Monde de la Musique