Dean Anderson, Artistic Director
Meet Dean Anderson!
Dean Anderson's performances are described as “charismatic” and “energetic” by audiences and orchestral players under his direction. He has actively engaged communities near and far with his passion for music. With over a decade as the Artistic Director of Symphony Irvine, he continually strives to champion a diverse blend of repertoire - ranging from the beloved works of Beethoven and Brahms to newly commissioned works by local and international composers. His international engagements include concerts with orchestras in Brazil, Argentina, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Vietnam.
A versatile and collaborative conductor, Dr. Anderson’s performances include major ballet works such as The Nutcracker, Peter and the Wolf, and La Cigale with ballet companies such as the Anaheim Ballet, Nouveau Chamber Ballet, and the Montage Dance Theater. He has also conducted numerous operas such as Die Zauberflote (Mozart), Il Segreto di Susanna (Wolf-Ferrari), Hansel and Gretel (Humperdinck), I Due Figari (Mercadante), Daron Hagen’s Little Nemo in Slumberland, and more. One of the highlights of his career was his Walt Disney Hall debut performance of Marcos Galvany’s O My Son. He was the first American citizen to conduct the Ho Chi Minh City Ballet Orchestra in 2011.
Teaching and Community Outreach
In addition to his professional engagements. Dr. Anderson considers it his sacred duty to work with students and community members in the pursuit of artistic excellence. As the Director of Orchestral Activities at La Sierra University, he always seeks to bridge the gap between professional organizations and educational institutions. He serves on the jury panel for the Hong Kong International Music Festival and is often invited as guest clinician for ensembles around the globe. He has initiated collaborative events between his orchestral ensembles and local schools and churches in order to help fund their special programs. He is currently Principal Conductor for the Montecito International Music Festival, which allows him to work with gifted student musicians from all over the world.
Education
Dr. Anderson completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree at UCLA under the mentorship of Neal Stulber. He studied conducting with Edward Dolbashian at the University of Missouri - Columbia. Additionally, he has participated in conducting workshops with Gustav Meier, MarkGibson, Marin Alsop, Mihail Agafita, Don Thulean, and Lawrence Golan.
