Up Next
June 22-July 12, 2023
Bernstein: Candide
Courtesy of the Metropolitan Opera
“Kamensek is experienced in Glass’s operas, and under her the orchestra sounded right at home. There was an excellent balance of instrumental colors—and with the singers—and the playing had focus and equipoise, the kind of warmth one can feel, and it flowed and built a profoundly affecting momentum while always held with a light and certain grip.” – New York Classical Review, 2019
About Karen
Grammy Award-winning conductor Karen Kamensek’s expansive artistry coupled with her deep commitment for championing composers of the 20th and 21st century is reflected in her work in both the opera house and on the concert stage. Recently she made a triumphant return to the Metropolitan Opera to lead the Olivier Award-winning production of Glass’ Akhnaten—for which she won a 2022 Grammy—and was asked to step in at the last minute to conduct the company’s production of Verdi’s Rigoletto to much critical acclaim.
Ms. Kamensek’s 2022/23 season is one of no less than nine debuts and several high-profile and welcome returns with a wide range of repertoire, including numerous world premieres by some of today’s leading musical voices. Chief among these: a new work by Philip Glass (English National Opera Orchestra/BBC Proms), Geoffrey Gordon’s Eolian, A Concerto for Harp and Orchestra (Brussels Philharmonic), Vivian Fung’s Flute Concerto (Vancouver Symphony Orchestra), and David Bruce’s The Peacock Pavane (London Philharmonic Orchestra). Frequently in demand as a guest conductor with many of today’s most prominent opera companies and orchestras, she will lead the Norwegian Opera & Ballet (Bernstein’s Wonderful Town) for the first time this season.
Return appearances in 22/23 include the Tiroler Symphonieorchester Innsbruck in January, as well the English National Opera for a revival of Glass’ Akhnaten --the 2017 Olivier Award-winning production she first conducted with that company in 2016 – in March.
Upcoming Performances
Due to the impact of the global pandemic, Ms. Kamensek's upcoming performances are subject to change. Please continue to check her schedule for the most up to date information.
Thursday, June 22 - July 12, 2023
Welsh National Opera
Wales Millennium Centre (Cardiff, Wales)
Ed Lyon, Candide
Vuvu Mpofu, Cunégonde
Madeleine Shaw, The Old Lady
Mark Nathan, Maximilian
James Bonas, director
Karen Kamensek, conductor
“...Karen Kamensek’s authoritative conducting of the Met orchestra...From the start of the overture, the score bathed the ear in textured sound that conveyed, in its gently shifting luminosity, something of the distance of the archaic.”
The Washington Post, 2019
"Kamensek…deservedly earning the biggest applause of the night during the final curtain.”
Opera Wire, 2019
“...conductor Karen Kamensek weaves everything into a wonderful, ever shifting tapestry of sound.”
Bachtrack, 2016
“Keeping it all under a tight rein was conductor Karen Kamensek, making a most laudable ENO debut. The orchestra clearly found her direction stimulating, as they were on top form throughout.”
Seen and Heard International, 2016
Ms. Kamensek talks with Operabiz Podcast host Daniel Welch about making her Metropolitan Opera conducting debut this season, her road to conducting, her collaboration with Philip Glass, and a largely European career. She shares her insights on Glass' music as well as a fresh perspective on life on the podium.
Images
Photo Credit: Todd Rosenberg
Courtesy of the Metropolitan Opera
Photo Credit: Todd Rosenberg
Courtesy of the Metropolitan Opera
Photo Credit: Todd Rosenberg
Photo Credit: Benno Hunziker
Photo Credit: Yossi Zwecker
Photo Credit: Todd Rosenberg
Photo Credit: Benno Hunziker
Photo Credit: Denise Biffar
Contact
For booking information, please contact:
ARSIS Artist Management GmbH
in collaboration with Michael Lewin International
Mag. Gabriele Trombitas
Managing Director
+ 43 699 1075 4898
Kramergasse 9/3, 1010 Vienna, Austria
For public relations inquiries, please contact:
Raechel Alexander
RA Communications