Daniela Candillari has been named principal opera conductor of the Summer Festival, the Music Academy of the West announced. Candillari conducted the West Coast premiere of Jennifer Higdon’s “Cold Mountain” for the academy in 2019, and led several works on a program of all contemporary vocal chamber music in 2021.

The principal opera conductor role is a new to the academy’s roster of faculty artists. The designation will extend for three years beginning in 2022.

In residency at the Music Academy, Candillari will prepare and rehearse the singers of the Vocal Institute as well as the Academy Festival Orchestra who perform in the Granada Theatre in Santa Barbara. She will be working with a distinguished roster of 18 faculty and guest artists.

In 2021, Daniela Candillari was featured on a video with members of the New York Philharmonic conducting her own composition, she makes her Metropolitan Opera debut in Matthew Aucoin’s “Eurydice,” and in 2022 will conduct the opening of a new production of Bizet’s “Carmen” with Opera Theatre of St. Louis.

“We are privileged to have this ongoing connection with one of the world’s leading conductors that has such an affinity for vocal music. Daniela Candillari is a consummate musician and supportive educator that helps everyone tackle their artistic goals,” said John Churchwell, Vocal Institute director of music.

“I love every opportunity to return to the Music Academy of the West to interact with the excellent young musicians who study there. Opera is such an important part of the Academy’s legacy that it is an honor to be on the team,” Candillari said.

“Relationships are at the heart of the academy’s culture. Extending the prospect of having Daniela Candillari to coach and conduct our singers and orchestra each year is an investment that will reap artistic rewards for all involved. Her balance of nurture and demand for excellence will inspire our fellows,” said Scott Reed, Music Academy president/CEO.

A native of Slovenia, Candillari holds a doctorate in musicology from the Universität für Musik in Vienna, a master of music in jazz studies from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, and a master of music and bachelor’s in piano performance from the Universität für Musik in Graz.

She was a Fulbright Scholarship recipient and was subsequently awarded a TED Fellowship. Learn more at danielacandillari.com.