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Kensho Watanabe (born c. 1987) is a Japanese–American orchestral and operatic conductor. He is known for his work with major orchestras and opera companies across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Early life and education
[edit]Watanabe was born in Japan and raised in Connecticut, United States.[1] He studied molecular, cellular, and developmental biology at Yale University before pursuing music full-time.[2] Watanabe earned a master's degree in violin performance and later attended the Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied conducting under Yannick Nézet-Séguin and Otto-Werner Mueller.[3]
Career
[edit]From 2016 to 2019, Watanabe served as Assistant Conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra.[4] His subscription debut came when he stepped in for Yannick Nézet-Séguin and conducting alongside Daniil Trifonov.[3]
He has since conducted major ensembles including the London Philharmonic, Tokyo Philharmonic, Minnesota Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Detroit Symphony, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and Orchestre Métropolitain.[4]
In opera, Watanabe's credits include performances at the Metropolitan Opera, Detroit Opera, Spoleto Festival USA, Curtis Opera Theatre, and Opéra de Montréal. [5] Watanabe is profiled by operatic institutions like Opera Online.[6] His 2024–25 engagements at the Metropolitan Opera include conducting multiple performances of La bohème.[4]
In 2025, he conducted the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra in a program praised for its “fantastique performances.”[7] He also conducted Donizetti's Don Pasquale at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis as part of its fiftieth anniversary season.[8] In July 2025, he led the Minnesota Orchestra in a program of Brahms and Beethoven as part of the Summer at Orchestra Hall concert series.[9]
Awards
[edit]Watanabe received a Career Assistance Award from the Solti Foundation U.S.[10]
Critical reception
[edit]Watanabe has been praised for his “combination of authority, charisma, and technical aplomb.”[11] OperaWire highlighted his Metropolitan Opera performances as “magical” and noted “the entire production felt magical because of his conducting—Watanabe’s midas touch.”[4]
Personal life
[edit]Watanabe is based in Paris, France.[12]
References
[edit]- ^ "He Went From Medicine To Music: How Conductor Kensho Watanabe Reorchestrated His Career". WRTI. 26 August 2019. Retrieved 22 July 2025.
- ^ "Kensho Watanabe, conductor". Philadelphia International Music Festival. Retrieved 22 July 2025.
- ^ a b "Kensho Watanabe". The Metropolitan Opera. Retrieved 22 July 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Kensho Watanabe". Askonas Holt. Retrieved 22 July 2025.
- ^ "Kensho Watanabe". Opéra de Montréal. Retrieved 22 July 2025.
- ^ "Kensho Watanabe". Opera Online. Retrieved 22 July 2025.
- ^ "Review: Fantastique performances from CPO conductor and soloist". calgaryherald. Calgary Herald. 24 May 2025. Retrieved 22 July 2025.
- ^ "Review: DON PASQUALE at Opera Theatre of St. Louis". BroadwayWorld. 10 June 2025. Retrieved 22 July 2025.
- ^ Rob Hubbard (18 July 2025). "Review: Kensho Watanabe leads MN Orchestra in moving Summer at Orchestra Hall concert". Star Tribune. Retrieved 22 July 2025.
- ^ "Meet the Conductor: Kensho Watanabe". Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra. Retrieved 22 July 2025.
- ^ "Kensho Watanabe". Minnesota Orchestra. Retrieved 22 July 2025.
- ^ "About". Kensho Watanabe official website. Retrieved 22 July 2025.