Today we’d like to introduce you to Grant Gilman.
Hi Grant, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in San Antonio, Texas, the child of two professional violinists who met at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. I started playing violin when I was five years old with my mother as my first violin teacher.
I am in my 2nd season as Music Director of the Alpharetta Symphony Orchestra. I am also Music Director of the East Cobb Chamber Orchestra (ECCO). Previously, I held the positions of Associate Music Director of the Round Rock Symphony, Music Director with the Harbor Opera Company, Resident Conductor with the Astoria Symphony, Assistant Conductor with the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, and Guest Conductor with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. With a lifelong commitment to developing young talent, I have been Director of Orchestral Studies at the College of William and Mary and Christopher Newport University, Music Director with the University of Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and Orchestra Director for the Youth Orchestras of San Antonio Summer String Camp.
Recently, I launched a podcast titled American Muse (www.americanmusepodcast.com) centered around the orchestral music of composers from the 19th and 20th centuries. The podcast is complimented by my blog American Orchestral Music, and a forthcoming book Secrets of American Orchestral Music.
I have conducted orchestral and opera performances in Cincinnati; Newport News & Norfolk, VA; Round Rock & San Antonio, TX; New York; Baltimore; Toms River & Newark, NJ; and Greensboro, NC. Most notably, I led a Nutcracker performance with the Moscow Ballet in Baltimore’s famed Lyric Opera House.
I earned Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees at the Peabody Institute of Music in Baltimore. My undergraduate studies in violin performance were with Pamela Frank, Martin Beaver, and Misha Rosenker, and my graduate studies in orchestral conducting were with Gustav Meier and Markand Thakar. I also earned my Doctorate of Music degree from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), while studying with Mark Gibson.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
There is an enormous amount of chance in the career of a conductor. I’ve been fortunate most of the time and failed a fair deal as well. I am only stronger for the failures, ready for the next challenge each step of the way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a conductor, I have chosen to specialize in American orchestral music from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. Especially in the early days of the American experiment, many American composers continued to be educated in Europe or by transplanted European composers. This led to much of the early American music sounding very similar to the great Romantic composers (Brahms, Mahler, Beethoven, etc.). As the 20th century rolled around, a uniquely American style began to develop. However, much of that music has either barely been heard or forgotten entirely. I believe there is so much good music in that time that needs to be performed, and I have made it my goal to do as much of it as possible. This resulted in my podcast, American Muse, named after the 10th Symphony of one American great, William Schuman. On this podcast, I analyze music in a relatable format and interview musicians and conductors like JoAnn Falletta and Gerard Schwartz.
Any big plans?
I believe the Alpharetta Symphony Orchestra is poised for enormous development in the next few years. Situated in the largest city outside of Atlanta, there is a large community of businesses and professionals that value fine art and music. At almost 10 years old, the orchestra is finally starting to get serious attention from audiences and donors. That in combination with programming of unique and less well-known music will quickly elevate the organization as one of the artistic leaders in the entire metro area.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.grantgilman.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/american_muse_podcast/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grantgilmanconductor
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCb4gXyaSa7CBEXR6_8TPNnA
- Other: www.alpharettasymphony.org
