After an extensive two-season search, the Greater Bridgeport Symphony (GBS) has named Brazilian conductor Eduardo Leandro as its new Music Director and Principal Conductor. Leandro was chosen from a pool of 180 applicants, with seven advancing to the final stage of the selection process.
Leandro, originally from Belo Horizonte, Brazil, has a diverse background in both percussion and conducting. He trained at Sao Paulo State University, the Rotterdam Conservatory in the Netherlands, and Yale University. His main mentor in conducting was Gustav Meier.
Known for his expertise in contemporary music, Leandro has worked with a variety of renowned ensembles. He led the New York New Music Ensemble, a group that has been commissioning and premiering works from over 100 composers for more than 40 years. He has also conducted the New York University Symphony Orchestra, Camerata Aberta in Brazil, and ensembles in France and the United States, including Talea and Sequitur.
In addition to his work as a conductor, Leandro is an Associate Professor at Stony Brook University, where he also serves as artistic director of the Contemporary Chamber Players and conducts the Stony Brook Symphony Orchestra. He teaches contemporary music seminars and percussion at the graduate level.
Leandro will make his debut as Music Director at GBS during the concert Something Big! on Saturday, May 10, at The Klein Memorial Auditorium in Bridgeport.
GBS President Mark Halstead expressed his enthusiasm for Leandro’s appointment, noting, “I wish our audience could have seen Eduardo in Bridgeport’s elementary schools last year. He speaks five languages and was able to make a real connection with the students.”
Leandro himself shared his excitement about the role, saying, “I look forward to celebrating life through art in Bridgeport. Music has the power to unite and transform communities, and I believe a symphony orchestra should reflect the community it serves. I am eager to see the Greater Bridgeport Symphony do just that.”
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