Le Ballet national du Canada

Julian Pellicano Appointed Staff Conductor

22 février, 2024… David Briskin, Music Director and Principal Conductor of The National Ballet of Canada, today announced that American-Canadian conductor Julian Pellicano has been appointed Staff Conductor of The National Ballet of Canada Orchestra beginning with the 2024/25 season.  

“Over the past two seasons, Julian has earned the respect and affection of the musicians and dancers of The National Ballet of Canada. It is rare to find a conductor for dance, not only with the level of talent and experience that Julian brings, but also the generosity and collaborative spirit that he has demonstrated to all in the company,” said Briskin. 

Pellicano will share the upcoming run of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland with Briskin in March. Previously, he conducted performances of Romeo and Juliet with the National Ballet Orchestra in 2023. 

Pellicano currently serves as Music Director and Principal Conductor of Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet and will continue as Music Director. He will step down as Associate Conductor of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, a position he has held since 2013, in mai 2024. Known for his versatility across a broad spectrum of genres, dynamic interpretations and meticulous technique, Pellicano has conducted orchestras in North America and abroad including the Seattle Symphony, Vancouver Symphony, National Arts Centre Orchestra and Orquestra de Valencia, among others. 

Passionate about the intersection of music and dance, he has collaborated with internationally renowned choreographers including Lila York, Septime Webre and Jorden Morris. Pellicano studied at the Yale School of Music, Royal College of Music in Stockholm and Peabody Conservatory and holds a degree in philosophy from The Johns Hopkins University. 

Julian Pellican's Biography >

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BMO Financial Group  

2023/24 Season Sponsor   

Nicola Wealth presents Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland  

 Une collaboration entre Le Ballet national du Canada et The Royal Ballet (UK).  

Lead philanthropic support for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is provided by an anonymous friend of the National Ballet with additional support generously provided by The Catherine and Maxwell Meighen Foundation, Richard M. Ivey, C.C., Rosamond Ivey, Robert & Judith Lawrie and Wallace McCain & Margaret McCain, C.C. 

The National Ballet Orchestra is supported by members of the Music Circle.   

The Music Circle: John & Claudine Bailey, Nani & Austin Beutel, Jeanie A. Davis, Indra & Rags Davloor, Laura Dinner & Richard Rooney, Sherry & Edward Drew, Mary & Graham Hallward, William & Ruth Herridge, Judy Korthals & Peter Irwin, Anne & Charles Morison, L.J. Nagel & Stan Solomon, Sandra Pitblado, C.M. & Jim Pitblado, C.M., John & Susan Rose, Gretchen Ross & Donald Ross, O.C., David A. Seville & Grace Castaneda, Noreen Taylor, C.M., & David Staines, C.M., O.Ont., TD Bank Group Orchestra Fund, Lenore Walters and Tricia Younger. 

Julian Pellicano. Photo by Travis Campbell.

The National Ballet of Canada gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of the Canada Council for the Arts; the Ontario Arts Council; the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council; the Government of Canada – Department of Canadian Heritage, through The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage; and the Government of Ontario through The Honourable Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

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