Robert Spano is known worldwide for the depth and intensity of his artistry, as well as his unique communicative abilities. Currently in his 12th season as music director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Mr. Spano is recognized internationally as one of the most imaginative conductors today. Since 2001 he has invigorated and expanded the Orchestra’s repertoire while elevating the ensemble to new levels of international prominence and acclaim.  Mr. Spano recently brought his orchestra to Carnegie Hall in a performance of Bernstein, Copland, and Walton in October of 2012 to rave reviews. This spring he rounds out the season with two additional performances in the hall that are sure to highlight his distinguished abilities as a conductor, educator and pianist. 

He conducts the highly anticipated La Pasión según San Marcos (St. Mark Passion) by Osvaldo Golijov at New York's Carnegie Hall on March 10th. This performance will feature soprano Jessica Rivera, jazz vocalist Luciana Souza, members of the Venezuelan chorus to which the piece is dedicated, and high school singers from throughout New York City. Drawing on the sounds of Latin America with texts in Spanish, Latin, and Aramaic, the piece is evocative, wildly inventive, and entirely characteristic of Golijov's personal aesthetic. Mr. Golijov, well known for his wildly successful and critically acclaimed opera Ainadamar, is the holder of the 2012–2013 Richard and Barbara Debs Composer’s Chair at Carnegie Hall.

As an educator who finds inspiration through his work with young musicians, Maestro Spano will join the Ensemble ACJW in partnership with the New York City Department of Education to present Messiaen’s Des canyons aux étoiles. Every two years, up to 20 of the world’s finest young professional musicians are chosen by application and audition as Fellows of the Academy. They are selected for their extraordinary level of musicianship, deep commitment to education and communityengagement, and leadership qualities. On March 19th in Zankel Hall, Maestro Spano will lead this twelve movement work with featured pianist Juho Pohjonen, Laura Weiner, horn, Ian Sullivan, Xylorimba, and Jared Soldiviero, Glockenspiel.

Robert Spano is one of the brightest and mostinventive conductors of his generation. As Music Director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, he has elevated the ensemble to new levels of international prominence. As Music Director of the Aspen Music Festival and School, he oversees the programming of more than 300 events and educational programs for 630 students, including Aspen’s American Academy of Conducting.

Under Maestro Spano’s guidance, The ASO and audiences explore a creative programming mix, recordings, and visual enhancements.  The Atlanta School of Composers reflects Mr. Spano’s commitment to American contemporary music.  He has led ASO performances at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and at the Ravinia, Ojai, and Savannah Music Festivals.  Guest engagements include the New York and Los Angeles Philharmonics, San Francisco, Boston, Cleveland, Chicago, and Philadelphia Symphony Orchestras, as well as Orchestra Filarmonica della Scala, BBC Symphony, and Amsterdam’s Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.  He has conducted for Covent Garden, Welsh National Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Grand Opera, and the 2005 and 2009 Seattle Opera Ring cycles.   

With an extensive discography of 21 recordings for Telarc, Deutsche Grammophon and ASO Media, Robert Spano has garnered six Grammy Awards.   Dedicated to pedagogy and multi-disciplinary studies, he completed a three-year residency at Emory University, is on faculty at Oberlin Conservatory, and has received honorary doctorates from Bowling Green State University, Curtis Institute of Music, Emory University and Oberlin. In May 2009, Spano was awarded Columbia University's Ditson Conductor's Award for the advancement of American music.  Robert Spano is proud to live in Atlanta. 

ROBERT SPANO, CONDUCTOR 
Sunday, March 10, 3:00 PM
Carnegie Hall
with Orquesta La Pasíon
Jessica Rivera, Soprano
Luciana Souza, Jazz Vocalist
Members of Schola Cantorum de Venezuela

ROBERT SPANO, CONDUCTOR 
Tuesday, March 19, 6:00 PM- Zankel Hall
Ensemble ACJW
Juho Pohjonen, Piano
Laura Weiner, Horn
Ian Sullivan, Xylorimba
Jared Soldiviero, Glockenspiel

Robert Spano's photo by: Andrew Eccles
Juho Pohjonen's photo by: Marco Borggreve

For more information please see Robert Spano's website:
www.robertspanomusic.com