Gustavo Gimeno facts for kids

Gustavo Gimeno conducting in 2017.

Gustavo Gimeno (born in 1976 in Valencia, Spain) is a talented Spanish conductor. He is currently the main conductor for the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra. He also serves as the music director for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

Gustavo Gimeno's Early Life and Training

Gustavo Gimeno grew up in a musical family. His father played the clarinet. Gustavo himself started learning percussion and piano when he was young. His older brother also studied music, playing the clarinet and violin.

Becoming a Percussionist

In 2001, Gustavo joined the percussion section of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (KCO) in Amsterdam. By April 2002, he became the principal percussionist, which means he was the lead player in that section.

Learning to Conduct

While playing with the KCO, Gustavo continued his studies at the Amsterdam Conservatory. He focused on learning how to conduct an orchestra. Famous conductors like Mariss Jansons, Claudio Abbado, and Bernard Haitink encouraged and guided him. He even worked as an assistant conductor for Mariss Jansons with the KCO. Gustavo also took special classes with other great conductors like Ed Spanjaard and Iván Fischer.

Gustavo Gimeno's Conducting Career

Gustavo gained more experience leading orchestras in Amsterdam. From 2009 to 2012, he was the chief conductor of the Amsterdams Symphonie Orkest Con Brio. After that, he led Het Orkest Amsterdam from 2012 to 2013.

Focusing on Conducting

In 2013, Gustavo decided to leave the KCO. He wanted to dedicate all his time to conducting. He became more widely known in February 2014. This happened when he stepped in at the last minute to conduct the KCO. He replaced Mariss Jansons for a concert that included a new piano concerto.

Leading the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra

Gustavo Gimeno became the principal conductor of the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra (OPL) at the start of the 2015–2016 season. This was his first full-time job leading an orchestra. His first contract was for four years. The OPL was very happy with him. In March 2017, they extended his contract through the 2021–2022 season. Gustavo has also recorded several albums with the OPL. He is scheduled to finish his time with the OPL at the end of the 2024–2025 season.

Working with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra

In February 2018, Gustavo Gimeno was a guest conductor for the first time with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO). They were very impressed. The TSO announced that he would be their next music director. He started this role in the 2020–2021 season with a five-year contract. In November 2022, the TSO extended his contract even further, through 2030.

Conducting at Teatro Real

In 2019, Gustavo first conducted at the Teatro Real in Madrid, Spain. He returned in April 2022 to conduct an opera called The Fiery Angel. In July 2022, the Teatro Real announced that Gustavo Gimeno would be their next music director. He will start this new role in the 2025–2026 season with a five-year contract.

Gustavo Gimeno lives in Amsterdam with his family.

See also

In Spanish: Gustavo Gimeno para niños