NEWS
Brett Mitchell Named a Steinway Artist
Brett Mitchell sits at one of The Cleveland Orchestra’s Steinway & Sons’ Model D concert grand pianos. (Photo by Roger Mastroianni)
NEW YORK — Brett Mitchell has been named the newest Steinway Artist by Steinway & Sons.
In recognition of your distinguished career in music and outstanding commitment and loyalty to the Steinway piano, Steinway & Sons is pleased to welcome you, Brett Mitchell.
The high standard that you have set with your artistic and professional achievements makes it most appropriate that you are now formally included on the Steinway Artist roster, a list of the most accomplished and discriminating artists in the world.
Steinway & Sons congratulates you on receiving this distinction.
Please click here to visit Mr. Mitchell’s artist profile on the Steinway & Sons website.
‘An Impressive Philharmonic Debut’: Brett Mitchell Steps In at the New York Philharmonic
Brett Mitchell leads the New York Philharmonic at David Geffen Hall. © Brandon Patoc
NEW YORK — On May 16, 17, and 18, Brett Mitchell stepped in for his subscription debut with the New York Philharmonic, leading three performances of Kevin Puts's The Brightness of Light featuring soprano Renée Fleming and baritone Rod Gilfry, followed by the complete score of Ravel's Daphnis et Chloé featuring the New York Philharmonic Chorus.
Review: With Last-Minute Conductor Swap, Philharmonic Soldiers On
Brett Mitchell led the New York Philharmonic in the local premiere of a song cycle by Kevin Puts, featuring the soprano Renée Fleming.
"The Philharmonic announced on Thursday afternoon — just a day before the concerts — that [Juanjo] Mena would not be conducting… Instead, the conductor Brett Mitchell, the music director of California's Pasadena Symphony and a newcomer to the Philharmonic, stepped in. Mitchell possesses the right credentials, having led The Brightness of Light at the Colorado Symphony with Fleming and Gilfry in 2019. Still, this was no easy task given his truncated rehearsal time and lack of familiarity with the players... School may be almost out, but the Philharmonic passed this particular test with grit."
New York Philharmonic with Renée Fleming & Rod Gilfry — Brett Mitchell conducts Puts and Ravel
Stepping in for Juanjo Mena, Brett Mitchell made an impressive Philharmonic debut.
"Under Mitchell, the Philharmonic was rhythmically secure and well-attuned to the nuances of Puts's captivating score, and electrifying in the rapturous rendition of 'The High Priestess of the Desert'."
"Mitchell expertly managed [Daphnis et Chloé's] frequent tempo changes, alternating between languid wooing, ceremonial processions, exhilarating dances, sudden scenes of conflict, and tumultuous revelry... The vocalizing of the 60-member NY Philharmonic Chorus, meticulously prepared by Malcolm J. Merriweather, provided additional color and strength to this ravishing rendition."
"The Philharmonic was not left out of Puts's efforts—not only in the marvelously, intricately orchestrated songs, but in a pair of Orchestral Interludes, 'Georgia and Alfred' and 'The High Priestess of the Desert'—through which conductor Mitchell drew sweep and passion. He was a last-minute substitution on the podium, though he had conducted the work once before. Still, he did a stellar job, as did the ensemble."
"Complete scores of ballets can flag in concert without dancers to sustain interest, but the hour-long performance of Daphnis et Chloé had no such problem Friday night. Conductor Mitchell smoothly managed Ravel's constant tempo changes, ushering in stately processions, infectious dances, languid wooing, sudden battles, and ecstatic revelry by rapid turns. (The list of tempo markings alone occupied an entire page of the Philharmonic program.)"
"There is a pleasing lyricism to Puts' writing here, and the Philharmonic produced an appropriately warm coloring under conductor Brett Mitchell, a last-minute replacement…"
"Mitchell rounded out the program with a complete performance of Daphnis et Chloé, the latest in the Philharmonic's ongoing celebration of Ravel's 150th anniversary... Mitchell kept the action moving seamlessly in a work that can easily turn a conductor into a traffic cop, and...the Philharmonic's reading offered a performance delightfully varied in color and style."
"In his Philharmonic debut, Brett Mitchell was a last-minute replacement... Even on short notice, Mitchell was well prepared for the Puts cycle, having conducted the work in 2019 as music director of the Colorado Symphony, one of the work's co-commissioners... The conductor paced both works nicely, with a good sense of where the Puts needed to breathe."
Brett Mitchell leads the New York Philharmonic at David Geffen Hall. © Brandon Patoc
Brett Mitchell extends contract as Artistic Director & Conductor of Sunriver Music Festival through 2028
SUNRIVER, Ore. — The Sunriver Music Festival has announced that Brett Mitchell has extended his contract as Artistic Director & Conductor through the 2028 summer season.
From the official press release:
The Sunriver Music Festival Board of Trustees has announced that Artistic Director & Conductor Brett Mitchell’s contract has been extended four years to 2028. The maestro's four-year extension will encompass the Festival's monumental 50th season. In March 2024, Mitchell was named Music Director of the Pasadena Symphony, beginning an initial five-year term with the 2024-25 season. He will work concurrently with the Pasadena Symphony and the Sunriver Music Festival, along with his many prestigious guest conducting roles.
“Maestro Mitchell is an esteemed conductor with a dedication to artistic excellence, creative concert curation, and inspired community engagement, and we are thrilled that his role with the Festival will continue,” said Festival Board President Dr. Ronald Carver.
For more information, please click here.
Brett Mitchell Appointed Music Director of the Pasadena Symphony
Pasadena Symphony Appoints Brett Mitchell Music Director
Highly Acclaimed Conductor Assumes Post on April 1, 2024
PASADENA (March 22, 2024) – Pasadena Symphony Board President Kimberly Winick today announced that the Board of Directors has appointed Brett Mitchell Music Director. Mitchell begins his five-year tenure with Pasadena Symphony on April 1, 2024. His first performance as Music Director will be the orchestra’s season-opening concert on October 26, 2024 (2024/25 season details to be announced).
Winick states, “Brett Mitchell emerged from our competitive music director search as our all-around favorite, and I am delighted to welcome him as our new artistic leader. His energy and talent will engage, sustain, and help to broaden our musical community.”
Pasadena Symphony CEO Andrew Brown adds, “We are excited Brett Mitchell is joining the orchestra at this significant time in the orchestra’s history, with our centennial just four years away. Brett is a tremendous talent. With his deeply creative programming, broad vision, collaborative spirit, and innate ability to keep classical music fresh and inspire musicians and audiences alike, he is the right person to lead the orchestra into its second century.”
Mitchell says, “I'm deeply honored and absolutely thrilled to be joining the Pasadena Symphony as its next Music Director. From the first moment we made music together in March 2022, it was very clear that there was a special connection between the musicians and me, and that same chemistry has since extended beyond the stage to our friends in the audience and throughout our community. I couldn't be more excited for the musical journey that lies ahead for our entire community as we embark together on this next chapter of the Pasadena Symphony's story.”
Orchestra’s Sixth Music Director in Nearly a Century
Mitchell is the sixth conductor to serve as Music Director of the Pasadena Symphony since the orchestra was founded in 1928. He succeeds distinguished Music Directors Reginald Bland (1928- 1936); Dr. Richard Lert (1936-1968); Daniel Lewis (1971-1982); Jorge Mester (1984-2010); and David Lockington (2013-2022). Pasadena Symphony, which has garnered considerable critical and public acclaim throughout its history, is a “virtuoso orchestra” lauded for “zesty, swaggering performances” (Los Angeles Times) and celebrated for its “superb tonal clarity and rich instrumental brilliance” (Pasadena Star News).
In addition to overseeing all artistic aspects of the Pasadena Symphony, Mitchell will collaborate on the orchestra’s highly regarded community and education programs, including the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestras, which encompass eleven award-winning ensembles serving students of all musical abilities in grades 5-12.
Mitchell, who has been on Pasadena Symphony’s radar for several years, was previously named an Artistic Partner for the orchestra’s 2021-22 season. Based on the strength of that initial appearance, he was invited to return as an Artistic Partner during the orchestra's 2023-24 season, leading its well-received opening concerts last fall.
Coming Full Circle
Mitchell – who was born in 1979, raised in Seattle, Washington, and now resides in Denver, Colorado with his family, where they plan to remain – vividly recalls the music from the Star Wars and Superman films having a tremendous impact on him as a child. “The first time I heard an orchestra was in a movie theater on a film soundtrack,” he explains, inspiring him to earn a degree in music composition from Western Washington University. “I wanted to be a film composer but ended up writing orchestral works that, in a twist of fate, I started conducting, which I discovered was my true passion.” That led to him earning both Master’s and Doctorate degrees in conducting from the University of Texas at Austin.
He continues, “In many ways, joining the Pasadena Symphony as Music Director is really coming full circle for me. So many of our musicians are these iconic studio players whose work I’ve known and loved for decades. To now be able to work with them and experience their artistry in person is a thrill beyond words.”
Additional Coverage
Colorado Boulevard (3/22): Brett Mitchell Is New Pasadena Symphony Music Director
Slippedisc (3/24): Pasadena Picks an American Music Director
Pizzicato (3/24): Pasadena Symphony appoints Brett Mitchell as Music Director
OperaWire (3/25): Pasadena Symphony Names Sixth Music Director in its History
Hey SoCal (3/25): Pasadena Symphony announces Brett Mitchell as new music director
Musical America (3/26): Pasadena Symphony Taps Music Director (subscription required)
Broadway World (3/27): Pasadena Symphony Appoints Brett Mitchell Music Director
Pasadena Now (3/27): Pasadena Symphony Names Brett Mitchell as Its Next Music Director
The Violin Channel (3/28): California's Pasadena Symphony Appoints New Music Director
Los Angeles Times (3/30): Easter music, alt art fair and the best L.A. culture in the week ahead
Symphony (4/1): Brett Mitchell Named Music Director at Pasadena Symphony
Local News Pasadena (4/4): Brett Mitchell is Listening
Pasadena Weekly (4/11): Major Music Changes: Pasadena Symphony appoints Brett Mitchell as new music director
Brett Mitchell will lead his first concerts as Music Director of the Pasadena Symphony on October 26, 2024, at the orchestra’s home of the Ambassador Auditorium, often referred to as the “Carnegie Hall of the West.”
Brett Mitchell named Artistic Director and Conductor of Sunriver Music Festival
Brett Mitchell has been named Artistic Director and Conductor of Oregon’s Sunriver Music Festival, beginning a three-year term in August 2022. (Photo by Jeff Nelson)
SUNRIVER, Ore. — The Sunriver Music Festival has announced that Brett Mitchell will serve as its next Artistic Director and Conductor, beginning a three-year term in August 2022.
In this role, Mr. Mitchell will lead the Festival Orchestra each summer in four classical concerts, a family program, and a pops concert.
The Festival was founded in 1978, and Mr. Mitchell is the fourth Artistic Director and Conductor in the organization’s 44-year history.
From the official press release:
“We don’t name orchestras after conductors. We name them after communities,“ explains Maestro Mitchell. “That’s because festivals reflect their communities. I am thrilled that I will be able to make a contribution to this festival that has been a part of the Central Oregon community for 44 years.”
Mitchell has accepted a 3-year contract with Sunriver Music Festival which includes a commitment for quarterly visits to the region for ongoing connection with the community and the Festival’s thriving music education programs.
Mr. Mitchell previously led the Orchestra in two programs on August 21 and 23 during the Festival’s 2021 season:
COPLAND - Music for Movies
MOZART - Piano Concerto No. 20 in D Minor
Daniel Hsu, piano
STRAVINSKY - Suite from Pulcinella
JESSIE MONTGOMERY - Starburst
SAINT-SAËNS - Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor
Amit Peled, cello
BEETHOVEN - Symphony No. 7 in A Major
On August 18, Mr. Mitchell also played an evening of John Williams’s chamber music from the piano with musicians from the Festival, including music from Fiddler on the Roof, The Terminal, Memoirs of a Geisha, Lincoln, and Schindler’s List.
The official press release points to the importance of the feedback about these performances from the Festival’s musicians and audiences when selecting Mr. Mitchell as their next Artistic Director:
The Festival’s Board of Trustees received hundreds of helpful evaluations submitted by patrons and musicians. Here's just a sampling:
"Brett Mitchell is a high-level conductor with very good conducting technique, rehearsal technique, big personality, very good. Keeping interest and energy levels high are Maestro Mitchell's strongest qualities as a conductor, and he has many more."
"Brett Mitchell is an effective musical leader. His conducting was very clear and did not get in the way of our ability to concentrate. Players were led by someone who understands what conducting is about and who therefore makes our task easier. He is extremely musical, gives excellent cues, is great with the audience and has a very polished approach."
For more information on Mr. Mitchell’s appointment, please view the announcement and press release on the Sunriver Music Festival’s website.
KTVZ News Channel 21 (NBC’s affiliate in Bend) has published a piece about Mr. Mitchell’s appointment: “Patrons, musicians help select Mitchell as new maestro for Sunriver Music Festival.”
Dates for Mr. Mitchell’s inaugural season as Artistic Director and Conductor in August 2022 will be announced in Fall 2021.
Debut: Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl
Brett Mitchell will make his debut with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl on September 12, 2019.
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Philharmonic has announced that Brett Mitchell will make his debut with the orchestra by leading their 2019 Hollywood Bowl season finale.
On Thursday, September 12, Mr. Mitchell and the orchestra will perform the iconic music of George Gershwin to accompany a screening of the 1951 classic film An American in Paris.
Single tickets go on sale on Sunday, May 5. For more information, please click here.
'Gods and Monsters: The Musical Journey of Wagner's Ring Cycle'
CLEVELAND — Brett Mitchell has created, written, and presented a new television special about Richard Wagner's music for the Ring Cycle, produced by ideastream in Cleveland. In Gods and Monsters: The Musical Journey of Wagner's Ring Cycle, Mr. Mitchell demonstrates at the piano how Wagner crafted and combined leitmotifs to tell one of the greatest stories of all time. Watch the program above.
Brett Mitchell named Music Director of the Colorado Symphony
DENVER, CO – Brett Mitchell has been named Music Director of the Colorado Symphony, beginning in the 2017-18 season. Prior to this four-year appointment, he will serve as Music Director Designate during the 2016-17 season. For more information, please see the official press release from the Colorado Symphony and the following media coverage:
- The Plain Dealer: "Cleveland Orchestra associate conductor Brett Mitchell scores top post at Colorado Symphony"
- The Denver Post: "Colorado Symphony targeting younger audiences with new music director"
- Colorado Public Radio: "Colorado Symphony introduces new music director Brett Mitchell"
- Cleveland Classical: "Brett Mitchell to take the helm of the Colorado Symphony"
- Denver Business Journal: "As season opens, Colorado Symphony's next music director looks ahead"
- Colorado Public Radio: "Brett Mitchell on becoming the Colorado Symphony's next Music Director"
- Slipped Disc: "Cleveland aide becomes music director"
- Denver Business Journal: "Colorado Symphony posts first budget surplus in 26 seasons, hires new music director"
- Musical America Worldwide: "Cleveland O Associate Conductor to Colorado" (subscription required)
- The Classical Arts: "Cleveland Orchestra's Brett Mitchell named music director for Colorado Symphony"
- The Violin Channel: "Colorado Symphony announce new music director"
- Pizzicato: "Colorado Symphony announces budget surplus and new music director"
Brett Mitchell receives contract extension and promotion with The Cleveland Orchestra
The Cleveland Orchestra has announced an extension of Brett Mitchell's contract for two years through the 2016-17 season. After serving for two years as Assistant Conductor (2013-15), Mr. Mitchell's title will be elevated to Associate Conductor at the start of the 2015-16 season. He will become the first person to hold that title with the Orchestra in over three decades, and only the fifth in its 98-season history. A concurrent agreement extends Mr. Mitchell’s work as Music Director of the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra through the same period. To learn more, please visit the following links:
- Official press release from The Cleveland Orchestra: "The Cleveland Orchestra extends Brett Mitchell's contract as conductor through 2016-17 season"
- Article in The Plain Dealer: "Cleveland Orchestra assistant conductor Brett Mitchell lands contract extension and promotion"
- Article in Crain's Cleveland Business: "Cleveland Orchestra gives conductor a two-year contract extension"
- Article in Broadway World: "Brett Mitchell extends contract with Cleveland Orchestra through 2016-17 season"
Western Washington University names Brett Mitchell Young Alumnus of the Year
Western Washington University has issued a press release announcing Brett Mitchell's selection as the recipient of the university's 2014 Young Alumnus of the Year award. To read this press release, please click here.
Mitchell earned a Bachelor of Music in composition from Western in 2001. This award, established in 1980, is the most prestigious honor bestowed on a young alumnus. Mr. Mitchell will return to WWU to accept this award and lead their orchestra in Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 on June 2, 2014.
Brett Mitchell appointed Assistant Conductor of The Cleveland Orchestra
The Cleveland Orchestra announced today the appointment of Brett Mitchell as Assistant Conductor of The Cleveland Orchestra and Music Director of the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra. The appointment is for a two-year term. Appointed by Franz Welser-Möst, Mr. Mitchell joins the Orchestra’s conducting staff in September, at the beginning of the 2013-14 season at Severance Hall.
As Assistant Conductor, Brett Mitchell will serve as cover conductor for Severance Hall and Blossom Music Festival subscription concerts, and provide assistance to Music Director Franz Welser-Möst. As Assistant Conductor, he will hold the Elizabeth Ring and William Gwinn Mather Chair.
As Music Director of the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, Brett Mitchell will participate in artistic planning, select personnel for the ensemble, and conduct rehearsals and performances of the Youth Orchestra. The Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, currently in its 27th season, is a full, 100-member symphony orchestra of middle- and high-school-aged musicians from northern and central Ohio and western Pennsylvania who are coached by musicians of The Cleveland Orchestra. Founded in 1986, the Youth Orchestra provides talented young musicians with a pre-professional orchestra training experience of the highest artistic standard. The Youth Orchestra performs three concerts in Severance Hall each season, as well as three orchestra concerts in the community and several performances by its chamber groups throughout the region.
For complete details, please see this article in the Cleveland "Plain Dealer": "Cleveland Orchestra appoints Brett Mitchell assistant conductor".
Contract extension with the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra
The Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra has extended Brett Mitchell's initial contract as music director for an additional three seasons, taking their collaboration through the 2015-16 season. Mitchell has been music director of the SBSO since July 2010. For more on this story, please click here and here.
Brett Mitchell named Music Director of the Moores Opera Center
After serving as guest conductor for five productions over the past three seasons, the Moores Opera Center in Houston has just appointed Brett Mitchell as Music Director, effective September 2012. Mitchell will lead the company in up to four fully staged works each season throughout his initial three-year contract. Mitchell will also serve as Assistant Professor on the Moores School of Music faculty at the University of Houston throughout this appointment.
Contract extension with the Houston Symphony
The Houston Symphony announced on Wednesday, May 12 an extension of Brett Mitchell's contract as assistant conductor for a fourth season, ending in May 2011. Mitchell will continue leading the orchestra in its classical, pops, education, and outreach programs throughout the 2010-11 season.
Brett Mitchell named Music Director of the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra
After a multi-season search process drawing on a pool of over 160 applicants, Brett Mitchell has been named the next music director of the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra, effective July 2010. Mitchell will lead the orchestra in its classical, pops, and education series throughout each season of his three-year contract, which runs through June 2013. To read a story about this appointment that appeared on the front page of today's Saginaw News, please click here.
Brett Mitchell promoted to Assistant Conductor of the Houston Symphony
Having served as American Conducting Fellow of the Houston Symphony for the 2007-08 season, Brett Mitchell has been promoted to Assistant Conductor, effective immediately. For more information, please click here.
Brett Mitchell named American Conducting Fellow of the Houston Symphony
Brett Mitchell has been named American Conducting Fellow of the Houston Symphony, beginning September 2007. This fellowship, spearheaded by the American Symphony Orchestra League, "assists in the development of exceptional conductors in the early stages of their careers, seeking to improve their qualifications to become music directors of American orchestras." For more information on this appointment, please click here.