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Conducting and Artistic DirectorBiography
Recognized as one of the most exciting young conductors of his generation, Alexander Mickelthwate is in his fifth season as Music Director of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, where he has significantly raised the ensemble’s profile through innovative programming and active community engagement. Praised for his “splendid, richly idiomatic readings” (LA Weekly), “fearless” approach and “first-rate technique” (Los Angeles Times), the German-born conductor has attracted attention for his charismatic presence on the podium and command of a wide range of musical styles. In August 2007, Alexander culminated his three-year tenure as Associate Conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, with which he appeared regularly at Walt Disney Concert Hall and at the Hollywood Bowl. Previously as Assistant Conductor with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, he co-founded the new music ensemble Bent Frequency, which was hailed as “”one of the brightest ensembles on the scene” (Gramophone Magazine). Recent highlights include debuts with the Houston Symphony, the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra, the Johannesburg Philharmonic and the Toledo Symphony, a re-engagement with the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa and a highly successful last-minute replacement with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. As guest conductor, Alexander has appeared with the New York Philharmonic, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Heidelberg Philharmonic, NDR Symphony Orchestra, as well as with symphony orchestras in several Canadian and U.S. cities. Born in Germany into a musical family, he developed his musical talent at an early age as a cellist, singer and organist. He studied conducting and piano performance at the Musikhochschule in Karlsruhe as well as at the Eötvöes Institute in Hungary.
Education/Training
studied conducting and piano performance at the Musikhochschule in Karlsruhe as well as at the Eötvöes Institute in Hungary
Career Highlight
In August 2007, Alexander culminated his three-year tenure as Associate Conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, with which he appeared regularly at Walt Disney Concert Hall and at the Hollywood Bowl. Recent highlights include debuts with the Houston Symphony, the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra, the Johannesburg Philharmonic and the Toledo Symphony, a re-engagement with the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa and a highly successful last-minute replacement with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. Previously as Assistant Conductor with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, he co-founded the new music ensemble Bent Frequency, which was hailed as “”one of the brightest ensembles on the scene” (Gramophone Magazine).