Elias Grandy, the maestro on a mission to introduce classical music to new audiences

Elias Grandy is youthful in looks and expresses his thoughts in a soft, almost melancholic way. His transformation on stage is remarkable. From his podium, the German-Japanese conductor enthusiastically commands the orchestra, which he describes as a living entity full of emotions, fragility, and history. Passionate and full of temperament, the conductor has led prestigious orchestras such as the Vienna Symphony, Osaka Philharmonic, and Minnesota Orchestra.

Raised in a music-loving family, Elias fondly remembers spending hours at the Munich Opera, fascinated by the musicians' performances on stage. Elias began his career as a cellist in orchestras such as the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Komische Oper Berlin. He later became a resident conductor at Staatstheater Darmstadt and won the prestigious Sir Georg Solti International Conducting Competition. In 2015, he was appointed music director in Heidelberg, a role he held until 2023.

"I am a strong believer in the art," Elias told The Dialogue. "To truly understand classical music, you need to spend time with it. The more you know, the more you experience it in a completely new way. That's where I come in."

Elias Grandy is dedicated to breaking down the barriers that often surround classical music. He has introduced several popular concert formats to new audiences, making the genre more accessible than ever.

Alongside the Qatar Philharmonic, Elias returns to Qatar to entertain classical music fans, providing them with a dazzling musical experience they can truly connect with.