Yannick Nézet-Séguin and the Orchestre Métropolitain will make its first U.S. performance tonight at New York City Center.
The French conductor has been at the helm since 2013. He also led the orchestra through its popular “Sparkling 15” program in New York last fall. Nézet-Séguin hosted a series of master classes at the center, with students participating in master classes about the role of the conductor as an interpreter.
A pianist from just-renamed Montreal, Nézet-Séguin studied orchestral conducting in Paris and is acclaimed as one of the most charismatic conductors to lead his orchestra. Known for his ability to bring out the best in each artist, he has led the OM before at the Metropolitan Opera.
Nézet-Séguin, though not a huge star in Europe, is known for his work with orchestras all over the world. Already considered one of the best in France, he has been the guest conductor at nearly every major orchestras in Europe and North America. He conducted the Orchestre National de France, the Orchestre National de Oslo, and the Orchestre de Paris.
The success of his earlier U.S. appearances haven’t been lost on the United States, which now has Nézet-Séguin at the helm. The conductor conducted a concert featuring the “ballet music” of Bizet’s Carmen at the Met in 2013 and his work for the Louvre helped him secure the role.
How old is Nézet-Séguin?
The French conductor is 41 years old.
Why is he in the news?
The conductor has been in the news for his role in orchestras. This month, the OM brought the new recording, called Apès for Orchestre Métropolitain with Chèvres, out onto the stage after the opera Turandot finished. Critics praised the “worthy interpretation” of the sound and the musician.
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