Mark Mandarano

Conductor Educator Advocate

Mark Mandarano is a leader who brings a deep understanding, spirit and warmth to a remarkable breadth of the classic repertoire and dedicates an equal energy to the music of our own time. As an educator, he has brought symphonic music alive for children and families through the irreverent humor of his family concerts, the insight of his education concerts and the wide-ranging cultural explorations of his lectures. For more than three decades, Mandarano has acted as an advocate for music and culture, acting on a belief that art shapes us, defines us and speaks to us all.

Mandarano lifted Copland's asymmetrical rhythms right off the ground, uniting all his forces with big, bold strokes. – Washington Post

Mandarano's sure grasp kept the music dancing and swaying evocatively. – Baltimore Sun

The Philharmonic Orchestra with apparent creative pleasure, "sang" under the guidance of the "protagonist" of the evening - the American maestro Mark Mandarano, who conquered the audience with his professional skills, temperament and artistry. – Russia News Today

Musical samples

Sample this diverse offering of excerpts from live performances, which continues onto a soundcloud page. Please visit the collaborations page to learn more about the many brilliant orchestras, soloists and composers who made these performances possible.

Conductor. Educator. Advocate.

Mark Mandarano has performed in many prestigious venues with leading orchestras in the U.S. and abroad. He has advocated for the music of living composers and conducted numerous premiere performances and commissioned works. He has also worked closely with the outstanding conductors of our time, such as Esa-Pekka Salonen, Christoph von Dohnanyi, Msitislav Rostropovich, Sir Antonio Pappano, Valery Gergiev, Leon Botstein, Carl St. Clair and Leonard Slatkin.