The Carmel Symphony Orchestra (CSO) welcomes David Commanday as its new Music Director. He brings with him a wealth of experience in artistic leadership, a deep commitment to musical excellence, and a genuine passion for connecting with musicians and audiences alike. His collaborative spirit and clear vision will help the CSO build on its strong 50-year foundation while exploring new artistic possibilities.
Over a career spanning three continents, Maestro Commanday has earned recognition for performances distinguished by musical insight, compelling immediacy and a vital connection between musicians and audiences. Reviewers have noted his ability to stir listeners’ emotions as he shares his feelings and excitement for the music. The CSO is honored to have a music director with such a broad and distinguished career.
“I am deeply honored to be appointed Music Director of the Carmel Symphony Orchestra as it celebrates its 50th Anniversary,” Commanday said. “The CSO has a distinguished history, exceptional musicians, and a world-class home in the Payne & Mencias Palladium. It is a privilege to lead this wonderful orchestra as we shape an ambitious and inspiring next chapter together.”
His conducting career began with his appointment as Music Director of the Boston Ballet, collaborating with Rudolf Nureyev and Violette Verdy and directing orchestras throughout Europe and North America. He has worked in ballet throughout the country, appearing with the Joffrey, Ballet West, Pacific Northwest, Kansas City, Orlando, and Oklahoma City ballet companies, among many others.
Commanday led the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras to national recognition, earning three ASCAP awards for Adventurous programming, and leading four international tours. He has a distinguished record of faculty appointments, including Harvard University, Boston University, MIT, VCU, and Eastern Illinois University, where he currently directs the Eastern Symphony Orchestra. The Singapore Ministry of Music invited him to four annual residencies, conducting the Singapore National Youth Orchestra and presenting master classes in conducting, chamber music, and cello.
Commanday founded the innovative Heartland Festival Orchestra in 2009, where he continues as Artistic Director and Conductor, and was recognized as Illinois Conductor of the Year.
In addition, Commanday is an active cellist. He has performed with Yo-Yo Ma, Bobby McFerrin, Matt Haimovitz, and Michael Steven Brown among many other noted musicians. While principal cellist at Tanglewood, Commanday performed under Leonard Bernstein, Seiji Ozawa, and Aaron Copland – experiences that inspired his transition to conducting.
Graduating cum laude at Harvard College, Commanday trained in conducting at the University of Vienna under Otmar Suitner, General Musik Direktor of the Berlin State Opera. There he was awarded the Austrian Staatsdiplom in orchestral conducting with highest distinction.
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