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| Berkeley Symphony names Joana Carneiro Music Director
"I’ve always made a living through my conducting, SF Classical Voice: December 2009 interviewwhich is an immense privilege." [Carneiro]  Asked what she would be doing if she hadn’t become a conductor, Berkeley Daily Planet: October 2009 interviewCarneiro said, “A doctor, for sure!” “The wonderful thing about watching Joana rehearse is that she makes everyone feel comfortable," says [John] Adams. Carneiro is quite serious about expanding the community base of the orchestra, and not just for her own edification, but for the orchestra’s, too. “From the first rehearsal, I felt there was a very, very special energy. There was great chemistry. We moved together, musically took breaths together; it felt like a very natural and wonderful positive fit.” [Carneiro] "One goal that I really identify with is nurturing and building relationships with young composers." [Carneiro] Carneiro will be the only the third music director in the history of the Berkeley band; Nagano led it for three decades beginning in 1978. “The reason I do what I do,” said Carneiro, “is because music makes people happier. That’s a simple thought, but it’s a fundamental pillar for education, for growth as human beings. I hope I can live that thought in Berkeley.” "This job is exactly what I'm looking for." [Carneiro]
Joana Carneiro served as Assistant Conductor and American Conducting Fellow with the Los Angeles Philharmonic from 2005-2008, working closely with Esa-Pekka Salonen. A native of Lisbon, Portugal, Carneiro is currently official guest conductor of the Gulbenkian Orchestra. Previously, she was Assistant Conductor with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and Principal Guest Conductor of the Metropolitan Orchestra of Lisbon. She also served as Music Director of the Los Angeles Debut Orchestra following her selection in 2002 through the Young Musician’s Foundation’s National Conductor Search, past winners of which include André Previn and Michael Tilson Thomas. “I am profoundly moved with my appointment as Music Director of Berkeley Symphony,” Carneiro stated. “It is an honor and privilege to serve an orchestra with such a tradition of excellence and imagination, an orchestra that has been, for decades, at the forefront of artistic innovation. What a great challenge it is to serve the community of Berkeley. I look forward to this opportunity and to our beautiful creative years together.” Thank you for your support of Berkeley Symphony! More information on the conclusion of Kent Nagano's tenure as Music Director after 30 years may be found on our Press page. | |
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Following an intensive two-year search, conductor 
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