Nagano, Kent

Kent Nagano has established a reputation as a gifted interpreter of both the operatic and symphonic repertoire. In September 2006, Nagano became Music Director of the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal and also began his tenure as General Music Director of the Bavarian State Opera in Munich.

His early professional years were spent in Boston, working in the opera house and as assistant conductor to Seiji Ozawa at the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He played a key role in the world premiere of Messiaen's opera "Saint François d'Assise" at the request of the composer. Nagano's success in America led to European appointments: Music Director of the Opéra National de Lyon (1988-1998), Music Director of the Manchester Hallé Orchestra (1991-2000) and Associate Principal Guest Conductor of the London...

Kent Nagano has established a reputation as a gifted interpreter of both the operatic and symphonic repertoire. In September 2006, Nagano became Music Director of the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal and also began his tenure as General Music Director of the Bavarian State Opera in Munich.

His early professional years were spent in Boston, working in the opera house and as assistant conductor to Seiji Ozawa at the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He played a key role in the world premiere of Messiaen's opera "Saint François d'Assise" at the request of the composer. Nagano's success in America led to European appointments: Music Director of the Opéra National de Lyon (1988-1998), Music Director of the Manchester Hallé Orchestra (1991-2000) and Associate Principal Guest Conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra. In 2003, Kent Nagano became the first Music Director of Los Angeles Opera after having already held the position of Principal Conductor for two years. A very important period in his career was his time as Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin from 2000-2006 after which he was then given the title Honorary Conductor.

As a much sought-after guest conductor he has worked with most of the world's finest orchestras. World premieres from the past seasons include Bernstein's A "White House Cantata" and operas by Peter Eötvös (Three Sisters), John Adams ("The Death of Klinghoffer" and "El Niño"), Kaija Saariaho's "L'amour de loin" at the Salzburg Festival and Unsuk Chin's "Alice in Wonderland" at the Munich Opera Festival.