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JAMES MEENA
CONDUCTOR
BIOGRAPHY
James Meena consistently earns critical acclaim for his artistic vision and dynamic presence on the podium in concert, opera and ballet. Mo. Meena serves as Artistic Director for Opera Carolina (Charlotte) and Artistic Director for Opera Grand Rapids. Last season, Meena led Opera Carolina’s productions of I Dream, Don Giovanni, The Falling and Rising, and Aida, and returned to Opera Grand Rapids for productions of Don Giovanni and Turandot. This season at Opera Carolina, the maestro will conduct Tosca, Porgy and Bess, and La traviata, and with Opera Grand Rapids he will conduct Aida. [read more...]
CRITICAL ACCLAIM
“…served as the ultimate capstone…” – Toledo Blade
Carmen – “The Toledo Symphony in the pit, lead by maestro James Meena, played with a precision and sensitivity that served as the ultimate capstone in this pinnacle artistic endeavor.”
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"...conveyed the work’s seamless structure and richness...” – The New York Times
La fanciulla del West – “The conductor James Meena drew a surging, plush performance from the City Opera Orchestra … Mr. Meena and his players conveyed the work’s seamless structure and richness.
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“...Maestro Meena as usual was rather perfect in his conducting..." – Opera Lively
Il barbiere di Siviglia – “Maestro Meena as usual was rather perfect in his conducting of the excellent Charlotte Symphony. …the pit was lively and colorful”
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“...James Meena conducted this “Lucia” with a lightness and brio that lifted the score..." – The Charlotte Observer
Lucia di Lammermoor – “James Meena conducted this “Lucia” with a lightness and brio that lifted the score. The strings had a lustrous sheen. Mention should be made of the flutist, Amy Orsinger Whitehead, who accompanied Lucia in her mad scene like a shadow. Compliments are also in order for the harpist, and the fervent chorus.”
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"...evoked intensity of color, luminous sonority and thrilling moments..." – The New York Times
"Opera Gala " – “Maestro James Meena evoked intensity of color, luminous sonority and thrilling moments which were devoted to an exquisitely impassioned performance.”