Julian Pellicano
Conductor
Biography
Known for his versatility across a broad spectrum of genres, dynamic interpretations and meticulous technique, American-Canadian conductor Julian Pellicano joined The National Ballet of Canada as Staff Conductor in July 2024 and is also Music Director of the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra and Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Bringing an incisive musicality and collaborative spirit to every performance, he has built a wide-ranging international career leading Winnipeg Free Press to proclaim that “his versatility is truly astonishing.”
As a guest he regularly conducts orchestras and ballet companies in North America and abroad including the Seattle Symphony, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Utah Symphony, National Arts Centre Orchestra, Hong Kong Ballet, Orquestra de Comunitat Valencia, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Orlando Ballet, Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, The Florida Orchestra, Cincinnati Ballet, Orquestra Sinfônica de Porto Alegre, Oklahoma City Philharmonic and Vermont Symphony Orchestra among others.
As a guest he regularly conducts orchestras and ballet companies in North America and abroad including the Seattle Symphony, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Utah Symphony, National Arts Centre Orchestra, Hong Kong Ballet, Orquestra de Comunitat Valencia, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Orlando Ballet, Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, The Florida Orchestra, Cincinnati Ballet, Orquestra Sinfônica de Porto Alegre, Oklahoma City Philharmonic and Vermont Symphony Orchestra among others.
Passionate about the intersection of music and dance, he has conducted numerous classical and contemporary ballet productions, performing the works of internationally renowned choreographers including Alexei Ratmansky, Christopher Wheeldon, Angelin Preljocaj, James Kudelka, Twyla Tharp, Frederick Ashton, Mauricio Wainrot, Rudi van Dantzig, Lila York, Jorden Morris and Septime Webre.
Julian studied conducting at Yale School of Music where he was a recipient of The Presser Music Award. As a percussionist, he has performed in concert halls and festivals in North America, Europe and Asia and was a member of the critically acclaimed Yale Percussion Group. He holds degrees from Peabody Conservatory, The Royal College of Music in Stockholm, Sweden and a degree in philosophy from Johns Hopkins University.