Position endowed by Michael Stelman in honor and memory of Irving Olson and Carolyn Stelman
Linus Lerner is an internationally celebrated conductor, known for his charismatic leadership and passionate energy, which captivates both musicians and audiences with dynamic performances in symphonic and operatic repertoires. With a career spanning over 20 countries, including the United States, Brazil, Argentina, China, England, Germany, Italy, South Korea, and Russia, he has established himself as the Brazilian conductor with the greatest presence on the international music scene.
Currently, Lerner is the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra (USA), the Orquestra Sinfônica do Rio Grande do Norte (Brazil), and the Orquestra de Sopros de Novo Hamburgo (Brazil). Additionally, he is an Associate Producer and Musical Advisor at Abiry Films and leads various cultural initiatives such as the Novo Hamburgo International Music Festival (FeMusiK), the Linus Lerner International Vocal Competition, and the SASO/Prolírica International Lyrical Festival of Antioquia (Colombia), reaffirming his commitment to talent development and cultural exchange.
Among his notable achievements, he stands out as the only Brazilian conductor to have recorded with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of London and one of the few to have performed at the prestigious Carnegie Hall. His recordings with Naxos and Meridian record labels have received international critical acclaim. Furthermore, he founded and conducted opera festivals in Mexico and China, and collaborated for several seasons with the renowned Round Top Festival Hill (USA).
As a dedicated educator, Lerner has played a transformative role in shaping new musical talents. He has worked extensively with the Mexican program La Esperanza Azteca, where he trained over 100 conductors and teachers, and continues to mentor young musicians around the world. Before focusing exclusively on conducting, Lerner had an award-winning career as a lyric singer, performing in Europe, the United States, and Brazil.
For his contributions to music, Lerner has received numerous honors, including the prestigious Ohtli Medal, awarded by the Mexican government for his impact on the development of opera in the country. In Brazil, he has been awarded the Djalma Marinho and Alberto Maranhão Medals, as well as the Key to the City of Tucson (USA) and the title of Natalense Citizen, in recognition of his impact on the music of these cities.
Lerner holds a Doctorate in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Arizona, a Master’s in Orchestral Conducting from Florida State University, a Master’s in Vocal Performance from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, and a Bachelor’s in Choral Conducting from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul.
Visit www.linuslerner.com for more.