Joana Carneiro facts for kids

Joana Carneiro (born September 30, 1976, in Lisbon) is a famous Portuguese conductor. A conductor is like the leader of an orchestra. They guide the musicians to play together. Joana Carneiro is known for her energetic performances. She has led many orchestras around the world.

Joana's Family and Early Life

Joana Carneiro grew up in a big family. She is the third of nine children. Her father, Roberto Carneiro, was once a Minister of Education in Portugal. This means he was in charge of schools and learning for the country. Her uncle, Adelino Amaro da Costa, was also a well-known politician.

As a young person, Joana played the viola. This is a string instrument, a bit like a violin but larger. She studied music in Lisbon, Portugal. Later, she went to the Northwestern University in the United States. There, she earned a master's degree in music. She continued her studies at the University of Michigan. She worked towards a doctorate degree in music. While at the University of Michigan, she also led the University Symphony Orchestra. She also conducted the University Philharmonia Orchestra.

Joana's Amazing Career

Joana Carneiro first became well-known in 2002. She was a finalist in a big conducting competition. This competition was held at Carnegie Hall in New York City. From 2002 to 2005, she was the Music Director of the Los Angeles Debut Orchestra. She also worked as an assistant conductor for the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.

Leading Orchestras

From 2005 to 2008, Joana worked with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. This is a very famous orchestra. In Portugal, she became a main guest conductor. She worked with the Metropolitan Orchestra of Lisbon. This was in the 2005–2006 music season. She also became the principal guest conductor of the Gulbenkian Orchestra. She held this important role until 2013.

In 2009, Joana Carneiro was chosen for a big job in the United States. She became the third music director of the Berkeley Symphony. This was a very special moment. She was the first woman to hold this position. Her first concert as their music director was in October 2009. She led the Berkeley Symphony for many years. In 2018, she became their music director emerita. This means she holds an honorary title with the orchestra.

In 2013, Joana Carneiro returned to Portugal for another important role. She was named the next principal conductor of the Orquestra Sinfónica Portuguesa. This orchestra performs at the Teatro Nacional de São Carlos. Her work there started in 2014.

Joana Carneiro also made her debut at the Edinburgh International Festival in 2019. She led the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. She performed pieces by the famous composer Sir James MacMillan.

Personal Life

Joana Carneiro is married to José de Assunção Gonçalves. He is a doctor. They got married in September 2011. In February 2017, they welcomed triplets into their family.

Awards and Recognition

Joana Carneiro has received several awards for her talent.

• 2002: National Conductor Search of the Young Musician's Foundation
• 2010: Helen M. Thompson award from the League of American Orchestras