Donald Runnicles facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Donald Runnicles
OBE HonFRSE
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| Background information | |
| Born | 16 November 1954 Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Occupation(s) | conductor |
| Years active | 1989–present |
Sir Donald Cameron Runnicles (born 16 November 1954) is a famous Scottish conductor. He is well-known for leading orchestras and operas, especially pieces by composers like Richard Wagner, Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss, and Anton Bruckner.
Sir Donald has worked in many places, including the USA, Germany, and his home country, Scotland. He has held important roles such as Music Director of the San Francisco Opera and Chief Conductor of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. He is also set to become the chief conductor for the Dresden Philharmonic starting in 2025.
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Sir Donald Runnicles' Musical Journey
Donald Runnicles was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. His father, William Runnicles, was a choirmaster and organist, which likely sparked Donald's interest in music.
Donald went to George Heriot's School and then George Watson's College, which had special music programs. He also studied at the University of Edinburgh and St John's College, Cambridge. He even spent a year at the London Opera Centre to learn more about opera.
His career in opera began in Mannheim, Germany. He worked as a coach for singers and an assistant conductor. In 1989, he became the Generalmusikdirektor (General Music Director) for the city of Freiburg, Germany. He spent 10 years in Germany, which he says was very important for his love of Wagner's music and other composers influenced by him.
Sir Donald supports the Wagner Society of Scotland. This group celebrates the music of Richard Wagner. In 2024, he even gave a live performance and interview for the society in Edinburgh.
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Working in the USA
In the United States, Runnicles was the Music Director and Principal Conductor of the San Francisco Opera from 1992 to 2009. He also served as the principal guest conductor for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for many years, from 2001 to 2022.
From 2001 to 2007, he was the principal conductor of the Orchestra of St. Luke's. He also became the Music Director of the Grand Teton Music Festival in 2005. He continued in this role for many years, helping to lead the festival's musical programs.
Leading Orchestras in the UK and Germany
Sir Donald first conducted the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra (BBC SSO) in 2001. In 2007, he was chosen to be their Chief Conductor, starting in 2009. This was his first main job with a British orchestra. He led the BBC SSO until 2016 and is now their Conductor Emeritus, which means he holds an honorary title.
In 2007, the Deutsche Oper Berlin in Germany announced that Runnicles would be their next Generalmusikdirektor. He started this role in 2009. He has extended his contract several times and is currently set to stay until the end of the 2025–2026 season. In May and June 2024, he conducted all four operas of Richard Wagner's famous "Ring Cycle" at the Deutsche Oper.
In 2022, Runnicles first conducted the Dresden Philharmonic. In 2023, this orchestra announced that he would become their next chief conductor, starting in the 2025-2026 season. He will be the chief conductor-designate for the 2024–2025 season, preparing for his new role.
About His Life
Donald Runnicles has two daughters, Ashley and Tamara, from his first marriage. He also has an older daughter named Alexandra. He is currently married to Adelle Eslinger, who is a Pilates teacher from Canada.
Awards and Special Recognitions
Sir Donald Runnicles has received several important honors:
- He has honorary doctorates from the University of Edinburgh and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.
- In 2019, he was made an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
- In 2020, he was knighted by the Queen for his services to music. This is why he is called "Sir Donald."
Recordings of His Music
Sir Donald Runnicles has conducted many recordings of famous classical music. Here are some of them:
- Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
- Britten: Peter Grimes (DVD) and Billy Budd
- Gluck: Orfeo ed Euridice with the San Francisco Opera (SFO)
- Humperdinck: Hansel und Gretel
- Korngold: Die tote Stadt
- MacMillan: Violin Concerto and Symphony No. 4 with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
- Mozart: Requiem, Symphony No. 39, and Symphony No. 41 "Jupiter"
- Orff: Carmina Burana
- Puccini: Turandot (DVD)
- Strauss: Capriccio (DVD), Ein Heldenleben, and Four Last Songs
- Wagner: Tristan und Isolde, Wesendonck Lieder, and Arias
- Wallace: Harvey Milk with the San Francisco Opera
See also
In Spanish: Donald Runnicles para niños
