George Manahan

Conductor George Manahan has had distinguished careers as both a symphonic and an operatic conductor, favoring contemporary works in both fields. As Manahan was beginning his teaching career, he also won a Juilliard School fellowship that entailed serving as assistant conductor at New York's American Opera Center. In 1987, he became music director of the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, successfully incorporating contemporary music into the concerts of that regional orchestra. Manahan remained in his Richmond post until 1998, winning five ASCAP awards for adventurous programming. In 2002, he made his recording debut with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, leading a performance of Edward Thomas' opera Desire Under the Elms. From 2013 to 2021, Manahan was music director of the Portland Opera in Oregon. In 2023, he led the Warsaw Philharmonic on a recording of orchestral works by Anthony Iannaccone.