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Grammy-nominated conductor Cristian Măcelaru assumes Artistic Director role at Interlochen

Thomas Brill

Conductor Cristian Măcelaru has recently been named the inaugural Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of Interlochen's World Youth Symphony Orchestra (WYSO).

In this role, Măcelaru will oversee Interlochen's summer orchestra programs, assist in selecting repertoire and support the recruitment of summer guest conductors, soloists and music faculty. He will hold a week-long residency at Interlochen every summer, where he will also conduct WYSO. 

Credit Interlochen Center for the Arts
Cristian Macelaru rehearses with the World Youth Symphony Orchestra in 2019

Măcelaru serves as Music Director of the Orchestre National de France, Chief Conductor Designate of the WDR Sinfonieorchester, and Music Director and Conductor of the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music.

He has been a guest conductor with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. 

One of Măcelaru's recent projects was conducting the world premiere recording of the Violin Concerto by American trumpeter and composer Wynton Marsalis. The recording of work, which was performed by violinist Nicola Benedetti and the Philadelphia Orchestra, was nominated for two Grammy Awards on Nov. 20. 

Măcelaru attended Interlochen Arts Camp and graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy.  He then attended the University of Miami in Florida and Rice University in Houston, where he studied conducting with Larry Rachleff. Măcelaru has also studied conducting with David Zinman, Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos, Oliver Knussen and Stefan Asbury.

Dr. Amanda Sewell is IPR's music director.