John O'Donnell

Born January 1, 1962 in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (64 years old)

Australiab. 1962

Signature Roles

Conductor, Handel's Xerxes (Victorian Opera, 2009)Conductor, Peri's Euridice (Woodend Winter Arts Festival, 2014)Conductor, Gagliano's La Dafne (Woodend Winter Arts Festival)Conductor, Bach's St John Passion (BWV 245)Conductor, Bach's St Matthew Passion (BWV 244)Conductor, Bach's Mass in B minor (BWV 232)Conductor, Handel's Coronation Anthems Conductor, Handel's Jephthah Conductor, Mozart's Vespers and Requiem

9 Signature Roles3 Principal Houses

Spotlight

Career Trajectory

A keyboard virtuoso of international standing, John O'Donnell rose to prominence in the 1960s as a prodigy of the organ and harpsichord, winning England's first National Organ Playing Competition in 1969 and establishing himself as the preeminent interpreter of Bach's keyboard works through his groundbreaking complete cycle of performances beginning in 1974. Over five decades, he has balanced a distinguished career as both a concert organist and a conductor of Baroque opera and choral works, earning critical acclaim for his historically informed interpretations and recordings while maintaining active teaching and musicological pursuits.

Career Highlight

First person ever to perform J.S. Bach's complete keyboard works (organ and harpsichord) in public recital, comprising 29 performances (1974)

At a Glance

Discipline: Conductor
Nationality: Australia
Born: 1962 · Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Active since: 1974

Training & Education

Sydney Conservatorium of Music (graduated 1966); Durham University (BM, 1968); Royal College of Organists (Associate, Choirmaster, and Fellowship Diplomas, 1969); Archbishop of Canterbury's Diploma in Church Music (1971)

Principal Houses

Engagements

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