Episode 106: John Demain

Conductor John DeMain is noted for his dynamic performances on concert and opera stages throughout the world.

In January 2023, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Opera Association, the association’s highest award.

During his three decades as the Madison Symphony Orchestra music director, John has consistently raised the quality of the orchestra by introducing blind auditions and continuously expanding the repertoire to encompass ever more challenging and virtuosic works.

His active conducting schedule has taken him to the stages of the National Symphony, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, the symphonies of Seattle, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Columbus, Houston, San Antonio, Long Beach, and Jacksonville, along with the Pacific Symphony, Boston Pops, Aspen Chamber Orchestra, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, London Sinfonietta, Orchestra of Seville, the Leipzig MDR Sinfonieorchester, and Mexico’s Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional.

In 2019, he conducted the world premiere of Tazewell Thompson’s Blue at the Glimmerglass Festival to critical acclaim.  He “drew a vibrant performance from an orchestra of nearly 50 players; the cast was superb,” said The New York Times.