LEAD CONDUCTOR

JOHN YUAN

John Yuan is an internationally trained conductor, educator, and multi-instrumental performer whose career spans more than twenty-five years across Asia, Europe, Canada, and the United States. Rooted in conservatory study in China and refined through advanced professional training in the United States, his artistic approach reflects technical mastery, cultural breadth and a deep commitment to expressive ensemble music-making. He earned a Master of Music in Orchestra and Choir Conducting from the University of New Mexico, a Performer’s Diploma in Viola Performance from Southern Methodist University, a Performer’s Certificate in Viola Performance from the University of Texas, and a Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance from the Central University of Nationalities.

As a conductor, John has led a wide range of professional, collegiate, community, and youth ensembles. He currently serves as Lead Conductor of the Symphony Orchestra of Albuquerque, Orchestra Director of the Fio Mondo Italian Music Festival, and the Shanghai Music Festival. His additional conducting engagements include the New Mexico Philharmonic, Northern Illinois University Orchestra, University of North Texas Chamber Orchestra, University of New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, UNM Health Sciences Center Orchestra, HSCO Cello Ensemble, UNM Children’s Choir, Albuquerque Concert Band, NMSM Chamber Orchestra, Hummingbird Music Festival Orchestra, CCBC Church Orchestra, Texas Elite Youth Chamber Orchestra, Beijing Sun Symphony Orchestra, Tianjin Youth Orchestra, The Central Nationalities Chamber Orchestra, YHJS Festival Philharmonic, and numerous instrumental and choral ensembles across China.

A committed music educator, Mr. Yuan has devoted twenty-eight years to teaching students at all levels. His teaching experience includes positions at Algodones Elementary School, Cleveland Middle School, Jackson Middle School, Hoover Middle School, La Cueva High School, Menaul School, Sessions Music Academy, Albuquerque Youth Symphony Program, Beijing Central Conservatory of Music, and more than a decade of service at New Mexico School of Music. His North American teaching career also includes work with the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Happy Minds School of Music in Seattle, Music School of Delaware, Lamar Middle School in Irving, Oakridge School in Arlington, and the Rochester Academy of Music and Arts. He is known for his culturally responsive teaching, strong emphasis on musical literacy, and his ability to cultivate learning environments grounded in respect, curiosity and creative exploration. His students have advanced to regional honor ensembles, collegiate programs, and professional artistic endeavors.

As a performer, John is a rare triple-instrumentalist proficient on violin, viola, and cello. He has held principal and co-principal positions with the Fio Mondo Music Festival Orchestra, Beijing Philharmonic Orchestra, Beijing Qu Opera Orchestra, Beijing Hebei Opera Symphony, SMU Symphony Orchestra, UTA Symphony Orchestra, and TCU Symphony Orchestra. As an orchestral musician, he has performed with numerous professional ensembles, including the New Mexico Philharmonic, Opera Southwest, San Juan Symphony, Roswell Symphony, Abilene Philharmonic, San Angelo Symphony, Las Colinas Symphony, Beijing Central Ballet Orchestra, Beijing Central Opera House Orchestra and China Broadcasting Orchestra. His chamber and solo credits include performances at Carnegie Hall, the Royal Conservatory of Music, UTA Performance Hall, Shanghai Performing Hall, Xian Performing Hall, Guangzhou Performing Hall, Zhongshan Music Hall, Beijing Performing Hall, China Grand Opera, Santa Fe Folk Arts Museum, and collaborations with the Dallas String Quartet, Luken Chamber Ensemble, Asian String Quartet, Empire String Quartet and Grand Opera Quartet. His repertoire spans Baroque to contemporary music, encompassing orchestral masterworks, opera, sacred music, pops, ballet, film, and multicultural fusion projects.