Julian Pellicano

Known for his versatility across a broad spectrum of genres, dynamic interpretations and meticulous technique, conductor Julian Pellicano brings 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.” 

Julian joined the conducting staff of The National Ballet of Canada in 2024 and for seven years he served as Music Director of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Passionate about the intersection of music and dance, he has conducted numerous classical and contemporary ballet productions, performing the works of many internationally renowned choreographers including Alexei Ratmansky, Wayne McGregor, Christopher Wheeldon, Angelin Preljocaj, James Kudelka, Twyla Tharp, Will Tuckett, Sir Frederick Ashton, Paul Lightfoot, Jorden Morris, Septime Webre, Mauricio Wainrot, Rudi van Dantzig and Lila York.  

In addition to his position with the National Ballet, he is also Music Director of the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra. As a guest, Julian has conducted orchestras and ballet companies across North America and abroad including the San Francisco Symphony, Seattle Symphony, Hong Kong Ballet, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Utah Symphony, the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Oregon Symphony, Orquestra de Valencia, the Calgary Philharmonic, Orlando Ballet, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Nashville Symphony, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, The Florida Orchestra, Cincinnati Ballet, Orquestra Sinfônica de Porto Alegre, Oklahoma City Philharmonic and the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, among others.  

Julian studied conducting at the 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.