GUEST SPEAKER:
Creative Mornings in Cluj
May 1, 2020
LET’S HAVE COFFEE TOGETHER! HAI SA BEM O CAFEA IMPREUNA! PRENONS UN CAFE ENSEMBLE! 
I’ll be zooming with the ever-fabulous @Ștefania Robu via #CreativeMornings Cluj this Friday at 9am, #Clujtime.
We’ll be talking about #coronalife #madewithloveintransylvania, changing perspectives while not losing focus, and daring to stand still.
Intrigued? Come join us!
WHEN:
Friday, May 1st from 9-10am CEEST
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
TO RESERVE TICKETS:
Register here and you will receive the zoom conference link on email, the day before the event: https://creativemornings.com/ta…/virtual-morning-coffee-ep-5
GUEST CONDUCTOR:
“Champagne!” gala concert with the Orchestre “Victor Hugo” Franche-Comté
December 13, 2019
Another wonderful collaboration with Jean-Francois Verdier’s award-winning “Victor Hugo” orchestra!
Elizabeth Askren will return to Besançon to co-conduct this special “Champagne!” gala concert with the Orchestre VHFC and their Artistic Director, Jean-Francois Verdier. The all-French program will feature two stunning world-class soloists: Sophie Dervaux, bassoon (Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna State Opera) and Félix Dervaux, horn (Concertgebouw Orchestra). An evening not to be missed!
FOR MORE INFORMATION and TICKETS:
“Champagne!” concert, Les2Scènes
GUEST CONDUCTOR:
Début with the Transylvanian State Philharmonic
November 22, 2019
Excited to collaborate with the Transylvanian State Philharmonic during the Romanian Mozart Society’s 29th annual international festival!
The Transylvanian State Philharmonic is collaborating once again with the Romanian Mozart Society as well as the “Gheorghe Dima” Romanian National Academy of Music to produce a week-long festival of concerts, recitals, masterclasses, competitions, and seminars centered around the brilliant master, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The festival will end with a gala concert with the Philharmonic’s choir and orchestra, featuring guest artists Elizabeth Askren, conductor and Christophe Alvarez, pianist.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
To visit the Transylvanian State Philharmonic’s website, please click here.
GUEST FACULTY:
Dallas Opera’s 2019 Hart Institute
October 27 – November 9, 2019
DALLAS OPERA’s HART INSTITUTE: Proud to be an alumna, and so honored to return as a guest faculty member for this year’s edition of The Dallas Opera ‘s Hart Institute!
The Hart Institute for Women Conductors is a wonderful, pioneering initiative to identify, mentor, and showcase deserving female leaders in the fields of conducting and executive management. The world’s first program designed to meet the needs of women opera conductors, the prestigious Hart Institute provides hands-on conducting opportunities with The Dallas Opera Orchestra and master classes with internationally-acclaimed conductors, as well as seminars and one-on-ones with prominent leaders in classical music and opera. Topics include selecting the right artist manager, best practices in working with executive recruiters, opera management and fund-raising, personal branding, media management and more. The selected participants will conduct a cast of exceptional young singers and The Dallas Opera Orchestra in a showcase concert.
WHEN:
October 27 – November 9th, 2019 at The Dallas Opera .
HIGHLIGHT EVENTS:
November 8: Women in Classical Music Symposium, Day 3: “Practical Next Steps” will explore employability and career pathway development for musicians and administrators and will feature a panel discussion with top management agencies.
For the full program, click here.
To purchase tickets, click here.
November 9: Hart Institute Showcase concert: The exceptional conductors of this year’s Hart Institute will conduct a cast of exceptional young singers and The Dallas Opera Orchestra in a showcase concert.
To purchase tickets, click here.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Arts and Culture Texas’ September 2019 article, “Ahead of the Curve: Dallas Opera and Dalls Symphony Orchestra Focus on Women”.
ASSOCIATED CONDUCTOR, 2019-20:
Romanian National Academy of Music “Gheorghe Dima”
October 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020
Elizabeth Askren is thrilled to announce this new collaboration with the Romanian National Academy of Music “Gheorghe Dima”!
Throughout the 2019-20 academic year, she will be working as Associated Conductor of opera and orchestras, and as such will teach, prepare, and conduct several symphonic programs and staged operas.
The “Gheorghe Dima” National Music Academy in Cluj-Napoca is one of the most active institutions of university-level musical education in Romania, offering its students high-level education in the fields of music performance, music education and musicology. The Academy supports scientific research in the areas of musical composition, performance and musicology, being the first Romanian institution to organize doctoral studies in the field of music.
An active part of the city and region’s cultural life, the “Gheorghe Dima” Music Academy organizes or aids in the organization of prestigious national and international cultural events.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
The Romanian National Academy of Music “Gheorghe Dima”
GUEST CONDUCTOR:
Orchestra Academy of OVHFC
August 22 – September 1, 2019
Elizabeth Askren is thrilled to collaborate once again with the Orchestre Victor Hugo Franche-Comté!
Alongside Artistic Director Jean-François Verdier, she will guest conduct the Orchestre des Jeunes, a summer orchestral academy involving 90 young musicians aged 12-25 from the Bourgogne-Franche Comté region.
The academy is organized in partnership with the Orchestre Dijon Bourgogne and includes an intensive week-long residency and series of 4 performances throughout the region.
For a full description of the program:
Please visit the OVHC Academy page.
For further information / inscriptions:
Please contact Mme. Betty Andrey, General manager, OVHVC : +33 3 81 87 84 44 or betty.andrey@ovhfc.com
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR:
TOA – Transylvanian Opera Academy Summerfest
July 14 – 20, 2019
As Founder and Artistic Director of TOA – Transylvanian Opera Academy, Elizabeth Askren is excited to announce TOA’s inaugural Summerfest!
Offering international-level education in the heart of Transylvania, TOA’s summerfest aims to provide young and emerging vocalists and vocal coaches with studio classes, masterclasses, lectures, and various performances with leading artists in the fields of opera and lied.
The TOA summerfest is honored to have powerhouse performer and chief administrator David Lomeli as its special guest artist. Hailing from Mexico, Lomeli is a world-class figure in the Opera world today, both as a lyric artist (Operalia winner at 24 years old, performances in the greatest international opera and philharmonic halls) and chief administrator (Dallas Opera, Opera America…)
For more information:
Please visit the TOA page.
For further information / inscriptions:
Please contact manager@toa.education .
ATELIER: Opéra National de Paris’ Académie
By invitation of Director Myriam Mazouzi, Elizabeth Askren will teach a conducting atelier at the Académie of the Opéra National de Paris.
The conducting atelier is geared towards the Académie’s vocal coaches and is designed to address technical, artistic, and analytical aspects of the operatic repertoire.
The National Opera of Paris is one of the world’s foremost opera institutions, founded 350 years ago and offering productions of the highest quality in opera, ballet, and symphony. At the heart of the Opéra de Paris’, Academy, nearly forty artists from all over the world are welcomed in residence to complete their training, to learn and grow alongside the greatest professionals.
For more information:
Please visit the Academy of the Opéra National de Paris’ website.
JURY: Co-President, MAWOMA Awards
10-11 April 2019
Elizabeth Askren is honored to co-chair the European finals jury of the MAWOMA Awards , to be held in Vienna.
A major event in the classical music world, MAWOMA (for Music And Women MAestra) is the first worldwide itinerant competition devoted to women orchestra conductors.
The result of the passionate commitment of pianist Clémence Guerrand, MAWOMA will showcase the talent of female musicians of all nationalities in the art of orchestra conducting, in which they largely remain a minority.
As an itinerant competition, MAWOMA will take place on all six continents in succession, making stops at Vienna, Los Angeles, Johannesburg, Tokyo, Rio and Sydney beginning in April 2019.
For more information:
Please visit the MAWOMA Awards site.
GUEST CONDUCTOR: Returning for Two Productions at The Dallas Opera
20 February – April 1 2019
Elizabeth Askren is thrilled to return to the Dallas Opera for work on 2 productions during the 2018-19 season!
As Assistant and cover conductor to Giuliano Carella for Puccini’s La Bohème, she will work with a steller international cast, including director Tomer Zvulun, soloists Jean-François Borras and Pumeza Matshikiza, and the legendary Samuel Ramey.
Askren will also guest conduct Offenbach’s delightful Pepito in the Dallas Opera’s family and educational series.
The Dallas Opera is a world-class performing arts organization producing outstanding mainstage and chamber opera repertoire; attracting national and international attention; committed to extensive community outreach and education; and managed to the highest possible standards of artistic excellence, accountability, efficiency and financial sustainability.
For more information:
Please visit the Dallas Opera site.
JURY: Tremplin Jeunes Cheffes d’Orchestre
23 novembre 2018
Elizabeth Askren is honored to join the Artistic Committee of “Tremplin Jeunes Cheffes d’Orchestre”, a joint initiative by the Philharmonie de Paris, l’Association Française des Orchestres, and the Orchestre de Picardie.
Held during France’s annual Orchestres En Fête! festival, the Philharmonie de Paris, in partnership with the Association Française des Orchestres and the Orchestre de Picardie, wishes to promote the advancement of female conductors by organizing a showcase competition for the next generation of female junior conductors.
For more information:
Please visit the Philharmonie de Paris page .
GUEST CONDUCTOR:
Orchestra, “Gheorghe Dima” Music Academy
2018-2019 season
Elizabeth Askren is excited to work with the “Gheorghe Dima” Music Academy’s Academica Orchestra during the 2018-19 season.
The orchestra will perform works by Verdi, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Gershwin, and concerti for the winners of the conservatory’s annual concerto competition.
Located in the heart of Transylvania, the “Gheorghe Dima” Music Academy in Cluj-Napoca is one of the most active institutions of higher musical education in Romania, offering its students high-level qualification in the musical creation and performance fields, as well as musical education and musicology.
For more information:
Please visit the AMGD page.
GUEST CONDUCTOR:
Orchestra Academy of OVHFC and ODB
August 23 – September 1, 2018
Elizabeth Askren is thrilled to collaborate again with the Orchestre Victor Hugo Franche-Comté!
Alongside Artistic Director Jean-François Verdier, she will guest conduct the Orchestre des Jeunes, a summer orchestral academy involving 90 young musicians aged 12-25 from the Bourgogne-Franche Comté region. This year’s program will include classic works by Berlioz, Wagner, Mahler, Mussorgsky, and Ives, as well as contemporary works by Williams and Rautavaara.
The academy is organized in partnership with the Orchestre Dijon Bourgogne and includes an intensive week-long residency and series of 4 performances throughout the region.
For a full description of the program:
Please visit the OVHC Academy page or the ODB Academy page.
For further information / inscriptions:
Please contact Mme. Betty Andrey, General manager, OVHVC : +33 3 81 87 84 44 or betty.andrey@ovhfc.com
RESIDENCIES, IV-IV: Opéra National de Paris’ Académie
As Artistic Director of TOA – Transylvanian Opera Academy, Elizabeth Askren will complete the series of four residencies with the Académie of the Opéra National de Paris.
Sponsored by the French Ministry of Culture and supported by the Institut Culturel Français in Cluj, the initiative supports periods of observation, interaction, and transmission throughout the 2017-18 artistic season between the Académie, one of the most developed and elite young artist programs in the world, and TOA – Transylvanian Opera Academy, which opened its doors in 2017 and is the first operatic young artists program in Romania’s history.
The residency periods in November-December, January, March, and June allow a complete overview of the Académie’s seasonal cycle. Various observations concerning the company’s administration, direction, and implementation can then be analyzed and applied to TOA, ensuring a well-structured foundation for its growth.
RESIDENCY: Dallas Opera’s HIWC at the Juilliard School
May 22-24, 2018
As the Dallas Opera’s HIWC fellow, Elizabeth Askren will work at her alma mater, the Juilliard School, during a 2-day conducting and career workshop. The residency features such internationally-acclaimed figures in the operatic scene as Matthew Epstein, Anthony Manoli, and Nicole Paiement.
“The intensive working sessions include selecting the right artist manager, best practices in working with executive recruiters, opera management and fund-raising, and other topics.
“The program is generously supported by Linda and Mitch Hart, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the Richard and Enika Schulze Foundation. ” — The Dallas Opera
RESIDENCIES, III-IV: Opéra National de Paris’ Académie
As Artistic Director of TOA – Transylvanian Opera Academy, Elizabeth Askren continued the third in a series of four residencies with the Académie of the Opéra National de Paris.
Sponsored by the French Ministry of Culture and supported by the Institut Culturel Français in Cluj, the initiative supports periods of observation, interaction, and transmission throughout the 2017-18 artistic season between the Académie, one of the most developed and elite young artist programs in the world, and TOA – Transylvanian Opera Academy, which opened its doors in 2017 and is the first operatic young artists program in Romania’s history.
The residency periods in November-December, January, March, and June allow a complete overview of the Académie’s seasonal cycle. Various observations concerning the company’s administration, direction, and implementation can then be analyzed and applied to TOA, ensuring a well-structured foundation for its growth.
WINNER: Romanian Regional Finals, “Ma Thèse en 180 Secondes”
Elizabeth Askren won 1st prize at the Institut Culturel Français in Cluj’s “most electrifying” regional finals of the 5th edition of “Ma Thèse en 180 Secondes”. The global doctoral competition challenges doctoral candidates from all disciplines to distill the contents of their thesis to be presented to the general public, with the help of a single powerpoint slide, in precisely 3 minutes, and in French.
SYMPOSIUM: “Gheorghe Dima” Academy of Music
The “Sigmund Toduta” doctoral program of the “Gheorghe Dima” Academy of Music in Cluj is hosting the first edition of the “Romeo Ghircoiasu” symposium for young researchers.
The symposium’s coordinators and moderators include: director prof. univ. dr. Cristian Misievici, prof. univ. dr. Anca Mihuț, prof. univ. dr. Gabriel Banciu, and guest prof. Mihai Ghircoiaș.
RESIDENCIES, II/IV: Opéra National de Paris’ Académie
January 15 – 27, 2017
As Artistic Director of TOA – Transylvanian Opera Academy, Elizabeth Askren began the first in a series of residencies with the Academy of the Opéra National de Paris.
Sponsored by the French Ministry of Culture, the initiative supports periods of observation, interaction, and transmission throughout the 2017-18 artistic season between the Académie, one of the most developed and elite young artist programs in the world, and TOA – Transylvanian Opera Academy, which opened its doors in 2017 and is the first operatic young artists program in Romania’s history.
RESIDENCIES, I/IV: Opéra National de Paris’ Academy
November 27 – December 8, 2017
As Artistic Director of TOA – Transylvanian Opera Academy, Elizabeth Askren began the first in a series of residencies with the Academy of the Opéra National de Paris.
Sponsored by the French Ministry of Culture, the initiative supports periods of observation, interaction, and transmission throughout the 2017-18 artistic season between the Académie, one of the most developed and elite young artist programs in the world, and TOA – Transylvanian Opera Academy, which opened its doors in 2017 and is the first operatic young artists program in Romania’s history.
GUEST SPEAKER: Paris Philharmonic’s Médiathèque
December 9, 2017
Elizabeth Askren will be featured as a guest speaker at the Paris Philharmonic’s Médiathèque.
The Médiathèque’s “Rencontres Professionnelles” series offers a morning of speed-meetings with professionals in the arts, including administration, performing arts, sound engineering, cultural mediation, and teaching.
DATE: Saturday, December 9th at 10am.
LOCATION: Cité de la musique – Philharmonie de Paris
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please click here.
DEBUT: Concert with Orchestre de Franche-Comté
December 2, 2017
Elizabeth Askren will début with the Orchestre Victor Hugo Franche-Comté this December during the international Entrevues Film Festival.
2 performances are scheduled on December 2nd, and features Askren as guest conductor and the Orchestre Franche-Comté performing the live music accompaniment to Charlie Chaplin’s classic 1921 film, The Kid.
MORE INFORMATION: please click here
TICKET RESERVATION: please click here
DEBUT: TOA “Regal de Opera” Gala Concert
October 2017
As Co-Founder and Artistic Director of TOA — Transylvanian Opera Academy, I am thrilled to announce our début gala concert this Sunday, October 15th at the Romanian National Opera of Cluj-Napoca! You can find more information about TOA on TOA’s Facebook page and on the Romanian National Opera’s website.
Tickets can be purchased online here.
TV FEATURE: PBS NewsHour
February 2017
Bringing Women Conductors to the Front of the Orchestra
The PBS NewsHour featured a segment on the Dallas Opera’s Hart Institute for Women Conductors and its current talents.
“Bringing Women Conductors to the Front of the Orchestra” aired on January 31, 2017 and can be viewed on the PBS NewsHour website by clicking here.
Dallas Opera CEO Keith Cerny writes:
“This news story sends all the right messages… There is a genuine need for comprehensive artistic and career guidance for women conductors in our field—and The Dallas Opera, increasingly, is being acknowledged by the national media (the secular press, not just the music press) as a world leader in the quest for meaningful change.”
DEBUT: Hungarian Opera
December 2016
Romanian Mozart Society’s Gala Concert
Elizabeth is excited to guest conduct the Hungarian Opera Orchestra for the first time in an all-Mozart concert.
Organized by the Romanian Mozart Society, the gala concert is the finale of a week-long series of concerts, masterclasses, and conferences featuring international artists and professors.
Date: Thursday, December 15th at 6:30pm
Location: Hungarian Opera, Cluj-Napoca, RO
– Buy tickets here
– More information here
DEBUT: Dallas Opera Orchestra
December 2016
Laureate, Institute for Women Conductors
Elizabeth is thrilled to perform with the Dallas Opera Orchestra as a laureate of the Institute for Women Conductors.
Thanks to the generous support of Linda and Mitch Hart, the Dallas Opera offers six remarkable women conductors exceptional opportunities, including concerts, mentoring, and workshops.
Dates:
Sunday, December 4th at 7:30pm and
Saturday, December 10th at 7:30pm
Locations:
12/04: Murchison Performing Arts Center, Sanger, TX
12/10: Winspear Opera House, Dallas, TX
– Buy tickets here
– More information here
CONCERT: Verdi’s Nabucco
November 2016
ASKREN returns to the Romanian National Opera of Cluj
Elizabeth is honored to return to the Romanian National Opera of Cluj to guest conduct Verdi’s classic masterpiece, Nabucco.
Date: Monday, November 21st at 6:30 pm
Location: National Romanian Opera, Cluj-Napoca, RO
– Buy tickets here
– More information here
DEBUT: Dallas Opera’s Institute for Women Conductors
June 2016
“Six Selected for Elite Opera Program”
(TDO press release)
Elizabeth Askren is honored to be one of six conductors selected to participate in the second annual session of the Linda and Mitch Hart Institute for Women Conductors at The Dallas Opera.
The applicants numbered 156 and represented 31 countries, including music directors, principal and assistant conductors, and music professors from orchestras, opera companies, and conservatories across the world.
The program offers a unique opportunity to receive extensive mentoring from world-class conductors Marin Alsop, Nicole Paiement, and Carlo Montanaro, as well as networking, career coaching, and industry seminars. The residency will culminate with two public concerts with the Dallas Opera Orchestra on December 4th and 10th.
The full press release can be found here.
Website: dallasopera.org/learn/womens-conducting-institute/
CONCERT: Return Guest Conducting, AMADEUS
May 2016
Peter Shaffer’s Amadeus, Adaptation by Sorin Misiriantu
Date: Wednesday, May 11th at 6:30pm
Location: Romanian National Opera, Cluj-Napoca, RO
Reservations: Biletmaster.ro
Website: www.operacluj.ro
INTERVIEW: France Musique
March 2016
Femmes chefs d’orchestre : une évolution à petits pas
En 2016, les femmes chefs d’orchestre sont encore largement minoritaires en France : 21 femmes pour 586 hommes, selon les chiffres de la SACD (société des auteurs et compositeurs dramatiques). Pourquoi ne sont-elles pas plus nombreuses à diriger ?
Website: www.francemusique.fr
CONCERT: Romanian National Opera of Cluj-Napoca
March 2016
Peter Shaffer’s Amadeus, Adaptation by Sorin Misirianu
Date: Friday, March 25th at 6:30pm
Location: Romanian National Opera, Cluj-Napoca, RO
Reservations: Biletmaster.ro
Website: www.operacluj.ro
CONCERT: Orchestra of the Opéra de Toulon
March 2016
Festival “Présences Féminines”
Date: Saturday, March 19th at 8:30pm
Location: Le Pradet, FR
Reservations: +33 4 94 01 77 34
Website: www.presencesfeminines.com
CONFERENCE: FAF Young Leaders Meeting 2015
October 2015
Young Leaders Program
Dates: October 21-25
Location: Denver, CO
Information: The French American Foundation’s Young Leaders Program takes small groups of carefully selected up-and-coming leaders in government, business, media, military, culture and the non-profit sector and provides them with the opportunity to discuss issues of common concern.
Website: frenchamerican.org
CONCERT: Chamber Music Recital
May 2015
Featuring Constantin Nica, tenor and Paul Brie, violin
Date: May 31st at 7pm
Location:Romanian National Opera, Cluj-Napoca, RO
Program: Songs by P. Tosti, P. Mascagni, R. Leoncavallo, G. Faure, R. Schumann, R. Strauss, F. Liszt, M. Ravel, C. Debussy, G. Verdi; Pieces by J.S. Bach, J. Massenet, A. Piazzolla, F. Kreisler
Reservations: +40 264 592466
Website: www.operacluj.ro
RECORDING SESSION: London Symphony Orchestra
February 2015
Retentive Sound Agency
Date: February 10th
Location: Air Studios, London, UK
Program: Compositions and arrangements by Frédéric Gassita
Website: www.facebook.com/FGASSITA
INTERVIEW: le Parisien
January 2015
Musique: Les Nouveaux Maestros
Ils bousculent l’interprétation de la musique classique. La Philharmonie, qui ouvre mercredi à Paris, offre un bel écrin à ces jeunes chefs d’orchestre.
Website: www.leparisien.fr