Constantine Orbelian Musical Director Constantine Orbelian is an acclaimed American conductor and pianist with an illustrious career spanning over 30 years. He is known for his work in classical music and his efforts to foster cultural exchange between Russia and the United States. Orbelian's impressive resume includes significant leadership roles: Musical Director and Principal Conductor of the New York City Opera: appointed to the position on June 7, 2021. Musical Director of the Moscow Chamber Orchestra and the Philharmonia of Russia: a central figure in the musical life of Russia and Eastern Europe for over three decades. Founder of the annual "Palaces of St. Petersburg" International Music Festival. Principal Conductor of the Kaunas City Symphony Orchestra in Lithuania. General and Artistic Director of the State Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet in Yerevan, Armenia (2016-2020): during his tenure, he oversaw new productions of operas such as Bizet's "Carmen" and Mozart's "The Magic Flute", revived Donizetti's "Poliuto", and brought Renée Fleming to Armenia for the first time. He also led the Armenian ballet company to the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow for gala performances of "Gayane" by Aram Khachaturian. Orbelian is frequently praised for his exceptional ability to collaborate with singers, which earned him the nickname "the singer's dream collaborator" from Opera News. He has toured and recorded with world-renowned singers such as: Renée Fleming Sondra Radvanovsky Lawrence Brownlee Stephen Costello Dmitri Hvorostovsky (with whom he made numerous and famous recordings for the Delos label, including the Grammy-nominated "Rigoletto"). His collaborations also include historic television performances from Red Square in Moscow, with artists such as Hvorostovsky and Anna Netrebko, which were watched live worldwide by millions of people. Orbelian, has consistently worked to build bridges through music: The first American musical director in Russia: his appointment in 1991 as musical director of the Moscow Chamber Orchestra was a groundbreaking event. "Honored Artist of Russia": in 2004, he received this prestigious title, a rare honor for a non-Russian citizen, in recognition of his tireless efforts in Russian-American cultural exchange. Russian Order of Friendship Medal: awarded to him in 2012 for his contribution to improving international relations with the Russian Federation. He has led performances at important diplomatic events, including the UN's 50th-anniversary celebrations in San Francisco and commemorative events for US-Russia relations at the US Department of State. In 2001, he was featured in an episode of CBS Sunday morning titled "To Russia With Love", which highlighted his unique role. He is also involved in cultural enrichment programs for young people in Russia and the United States. He debuted as a pianist with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra at age 11. After graduating from the Juilliard School, he developed a successful career as a piano virtuoso. The recording of the piano concerto by Khachaturian won the "Best Concerto Recording of the Year" award in the UK. Orbelian's numerous recordings on the Delos label have also won critical acclaim, with The Audio Critic noting his "star quality" and the "passion and precision" of his orchestra. Awards and honors four-time Grammy-nominated conductor. "Honored Artist of Russia" (2004). Russian Order of Friendship Medal (2012). Ellis Island Medal of Honor (2001), awarded to immigrants, or children of immigrants, who have made an outstanding contribution to the United States.