He has long been one of classical music’s most compelling advocates, but somewhere along the way, Conlon has fully assumed the mantle of the most accomplished music director currently on the podium of an American opera house.
Opera News, July 2019
...one of America's leading conductors...
The New York Times
James Conlon, one of today’s most versatile and respected conductors, has cultivated a vast symphonic, operatic and choral repertoire. Since his 1974 debut with the New York Philharmonic, he has conducted virtually every major American and European symphony orchestra. Through worldwide touring, an extensive discography and videography, numerous essays and commentaries, frequent television appearances and guest speaking engagements, Mr. Conlon is one of classical music’s most recognized interpreters.
Read full bioConlon is the real thing: a master of the orchestra with genuine theatricality and no discernible narcissism.
Los Angeles Times
The initiative launches the new website MusicRestored.org and a recording series featuring works by Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Schulhoff, and others {…}
James Conlon launches his 20th and final season as Music Director of LA Opera conducting Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story. His 70th {…}
April 18 - May 10, 2026
With Craig Colclough as Falstaff and Nicole Heaston as Alice Ford
Dorothy Chandler Pavillion
Los Angeles, CA
April 24, 2026
Celebrating James Conlon’s transformative twenty years as LA Opera's Music Director
Dorothy Chandler Pavillion
Los Angeles, CA
May 8 & 9, 2026
James Conlon conducts local youth, community performers, and LA Opera artists in family-friendly performances
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
Los Angeles, CA
He is a miracle of equilibrium: his dramatic intuition never fails, nor betrays the transparency of the music…
Le Monde de la Musique