Julian Pellicano

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. He currently serves as Music Director and Principal Conductor of Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet and will continue as Music Director. He stepped down as Associate Conductor of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, a position he has held since 2013, in May 2024. Bringing an incisive musicality and collaborative spirit to every performance, he has built a wide-ranging international career leading the Winnipeg Free Press to proclaim that “his versatility is truly astonishing.”

He has conducted orchestras in North America and abroad including the Seattle Symphony, Vancouver Symphony, National Arts Centre Orchestra, Orquestra de Valencia, Edmonton Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, The Florida Orchestra, the Orquestra Sinfônica de Porto Alegre, Calgary Philharmonic, Hartford Symphony and Vermont Symphony among others.

Passionate about the intersection of music and dance, Pellicano has collaborated with internationally renowned choreographers including Lila York, Septime Webre and Jorden Morris. Upcoming ballet performances include a return engagement with Orlando Ballet, a debut with Hong Kong Ballet, as well as extensive performing and touring with Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet.

Pellicano studied conducting at the Yale School of Music, Royal College of Music in Stockholm and percussion at the Peabody Conservatory, Royal College of Music in Stockholm and Yale School of Music and has performed in concert halls and festivals in North America, Europe and Asia. He also holds a degree in philosophy from The Johns Hopkins University.