ROBERT WOOD
CONDUCTOR
BIOGRAPHY
Conductor Robert Wood founded UrbanArias in 2009. Under his guidance, the company has achieved national recognition as an innovator in the field of opera, and has produced over 25 works in Virginia, DC, and New York City, eleven of which were world premieres, and seven of which were UrbanArias commissions. He conducts all of UrbanArias’ productions. Highlights include Glory Denied (Cipullo), The Roost (Migó/de los Santos – world premiere, UrbanArias commission), The Last American Hammer (Hilliard/Boresi – world premiere, UrbanArias commission), Paul’s Case (Spears/Walat – world premiere), Three Decembers (Heggie/Scheer), Blue Viola (Hilliard/Boresi – world premiere, UrbanArias commission), As One (Kaminsky/Campbell/Reed), After Life/ Josephine (Cipullo – world premiere, UrbanArias commission and Independence Eve (Boquiren/Neer – world premiere).
Maestro Wood made his début with the San Francisco Opera in 2004 with Verdi’s La Traviata. He also conducted L’italiana in Algeri there, as well as several concerts. He recently conducted Rigoletto at Austin Opera, Silent Night at the University of British Columbia with the Vancouver Opera orchestra, Roméo et Juliette and Carmen at Opera Colorado, Die Fledermaus and As One at Hawaii Opera Theatre, and Three Decembers at Kentucky Opera. Engagements for this season include leading Lucia di Lammermoor for Opera Orlando.
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CRITICAL ACCLAIM
"... Wood draws a stirring performance..." – Seen and Heard International
UNKNOWN –“Robert Wood draws a stirring performance from members of the Inscape Chamber Orchestra.”
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“... leads the opera with tremendous clarity and sensitivity…” – DC Metro Theatre Arts
Glory Denied – “The conductor of Glory Denied, Robert Wood, is the founder of UrbanArias. He leads the opera with tremendous clarity and sensitivity, making sure the orchestra moves easily from the lyrical to the intense. In this production, Wood directs members of Inscape Chamber Orchestra, a nine-piece orchestra that sounds like twenty.”
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"... leaves our hearts humming…” – Broadway World
Rigoletto– “Conductor Robert Wood guides Verdi's iconic music and leaves our hearts humming.”
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"... the music was executed flawlessly..." DC Metro Theatre Arts
Carmen – “How many superlatives can I come with to describe the work of Robert Wood, Artistic Director and Conductor? Wood ensured that the music was executed flawlessly–every note pleased the ears with exceeding joy.”
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"... masterful..." – DC Theatre Scene
As One – “For this, this show is to be highly commended, and As One has been given a very respectable production. Behind everything that UrbanArias presents stands Artistic Director Robert Wood, and he conducts the work with enthusiasm and a masterful understanding of its musical structure.”