IMG Artists is thrilled to announce that Jonathan Brandani is named the new Artistic Director of Calgary Opera.
Calgary Opera writes:
“Calgary Opera is pleased to welcome Jonathan Brandani, a sought-after rising star of the classical music world, as the company’s new Artistic Director. Calgary Opera audiences will remember Maestro Brandani as the conductor of the Calgary Opera’s box office record-shattering 2019 production of Puccini’s La Bohème.
“As an international artist and father to two young boys, Mr. Brandani is passionate about youth education and expanding the inclusiveness of opera; bringing art beyond the theatre and into community spaces where everyone can contribute and enjoy. He and his family will relocate from Italy to Calgary this fall. Jonathan will devote his considerable energy to championing Calgary Opera’s work in the community, programming the upcoming 2022-2023 50th Anniversary season, and leading the company’s return to live performances in 2022.
“‘My wife and I are looking forward to putting down roots in Calgary and enrolling our children in school here. We are also excited to spend time in the mountains exploring the natural beauty of this part of the world. This city is very special and has a lot to offer us as a family,” said Brandani. “Personally, I am looking forward to participating in, and contributing to, Calgary Opera’s continued success. For Calgary Opera’s 50th Anniversary we will showcase that opera is for everyone and do this by extending music into the local communities, engaging in important conversations, and ensuring the stories and the people on stage accurately reflect the diverse people in our community.’
“Maestro Brandani’s career features renowned orchestras and opera companies around the world; from his hometown in Lucca, Italy (also the birthplace of legendary composer, Giacomo Puccini), to Ireland, Austria, the United States, Spain, Germany, and South Korea. He received an honours degree in Orchestra Conducting from the Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst in Vienna and holds a Master of Music in Orchestra Conducting from Yale University. After graduating in Piano, Jonathan studied Composition, Harpsichord and Historically Informed Performance Practice at the Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst in Vienna, and Musicology at the University of Pavia (Italy). He is also a laureate of the Merola Opera Program of San Francisco Opera.
“Jonathan Brandani was drawn to Calgary Opera in part because of the company’s many community and education initiatives, which have been invigorated with fresh energy and overwhelming interest during the pandemic. The introduction of Opera Labs and the Community Ambassadors Program in 2020, along with the continued success of Calgary Opera’s Emerging Artist Development Program, Let’s Create an Opera school program, and a digital recreation of School Tours were all bright spots in the 2020-21 season.
“Maestro Brandani’s room-brightening energy, thoughtfulness, and passion for both music and community make him a superb fit for Calgary Opera. We can’t wait for the Calgary community to get to know him.”
