Thrilling audiences at the top levels of the Canadian music scene, award-winning conductor Adam Johnson has been praised as “an exciting talent” and for his “charismatic, commanding presence” on the podium. A highly-sought leader, he completed his training in his role as Assistant Conductor of the Montréal Symphony Orchestra from 2016-2018, and was appointed Resident Conductor for the 2018-2019 season. He collaborated closely with Music Director Kent Nagano on prize-winning recordings for Decca and Analekta, and contributed to performances in Carnegie Hall, the Salzburg Festival, and a major European tour. He has conducted more than 65 concerts with the OSM and is frequently reengaged as a guest conductor. He has worked with renowned international soloists, and demonstrates uncommon versatility across musical genres and styles.
Prior to his tenure in Montréal, Johnson served for three seasons with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, initially as Resident Conductor (2013-2015), and subsequently as Associate Conductor (2015-2016). He has also guest-conducted the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa, Symphony Nova Scotia, as well as the Edmonton, Québec, Trois-Rivières, Saskatoon, Guelph and Thunder Bay symphony orchestras. Internationally he has conducted the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra and members of the Philharmonisches Staatsorchestre Hamburg.
In 2015, Adam Johnson received the prestigious Jean-Marie-Beaudet Award for Orchestral Conducting from the Canada Council for the Arts, and won an OPUS award for best youth concert of 2018. He holds a Doctorate in Piano Performance from the Université de Montréal and a Prize in Orchestral Conducting from the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal.
In high demand as a pedagogue, he served on the faculties of the McGill Conservatory and the Université du Québec à Montréal. He has also taught harmony, analysis, and chamber music, and translated a major treatise on harmonic analysis from French to English. He is actively aiming to create societal change through increasing the impact of music education, reaching thousands of students by providing online training for music educators. For more information visit https://www.adamjohnsonconductor.com.
“Johnson has a graceful, regal way with the baton – he made it clear that the next generation is prepared to deliver great music with warmth and passion.” - The Star Phoenix
"Maestro Johnson’s charismatic, collaborative yet commanding presence on the podium is welcome to audiences and musicians alike. His ability to both verbally and with a baton communicate the essence of the glory of live music is gratifying for all who hear or see him. His comprehensive understanding of music and the art of performance are beyond words. His versatile and committed abilities are well represented by his broad repertoire and willingness to expand his and his audiences’ musical horizons.” - Andrea Brussa, Arts Patron and Philanthropist