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When I was a member of the Esbjerg Ensemble in Denmark, my colleagues asked me if I could conduct a very complicated piece that didn’t have a horn part.  I realized that not only was this something I could do quite well, but also that I really enjoyed this silent participation in music making.

 

I have since continued to conduct many complex scores as the resident conductor for the ACA-festival (American Composer Association) and, since 2003, as the music director for the Pocket Opera Players of New York.  With the latter organization, I led premieres of three  full-length operas, as well as numerous song-cycles and oratorios. 

 

My training includes private instruction with the late maestro Jens Nygaard and my philosophy is for the conductor to be a participating musician who allows for the interpretation to grow organically out of the collaboration in rehearsal.

 

Through my operatic experience, I have developed a special fondness for the art of accompanying.  Below is a link to obtain the DVD of the world premiere performance of John Eaton’s opera “Benjamin Button”.

Conductor

Karl Kramer Johansen looking good
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