Nelson Nirenberg

Conducting Violin/Viola/Cello · Brazil/South America/Rio de Janeiro

Awards & achievements

Honorary Merit American Citizenship
Fulbright Award,
Jeunesses Musicales Prix,
"Outstanding Merit of Talent and Musicianship" - The University of Michigan,
Medal of Cultural Merit - Bolshoi Theatre School ,
Honorary Member, National Academy of Music President of Brazil knighted him as Sir of The Order of Rio Branco, Brazil's highest honor given by the President of Brazil
Sala Cecília Meirelles Prize,
Fellow, Organization of American States
Fellow, The Pierre Monteux Memorial Foundation
Best Conductor from the Young Musicians Foundation of Los Angeles.
President and Music Director Emeritus of the Rio de Janeiro Chamber Orchestra,
Special Advisor for the Secretary of State of Culture of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Distinguished President of the I Brazilian Congress of Young Conductors.
Two Global Education Center Awards, Montclair State University
MSU Faculty Scholarship Award,
The Career Development Grant Award,
Guest-Speaker the Presidential Address - Montclair State University
Artistic Director and Conductor of New York’s Lincoln Center Villa-Lobos Centennial Festival with the Orchestra of St. Luke’s,
Artistic Director and Conductor New York Chamber Symphony’s Brazil 500th Celebration Concert;
Music Director of The Chamber Orchestra of New Jersey
Director of the Orchestral and Conducting Studies Program of Montclair State University. Music Director and Conductor of the American Chamber Symphony in Los Angeles,
Music Director and Conductor-Designate of the National Theatre Symphony Orchestra of Brazil,
Director of Orchestras and Conducting Program of the Brasília International Summer Festival.
Guest-Conductor English Chamber Orchestra,
New York Chamber Symphony - Lincoln Center,
Mexico State Symphony’s tour,
The National Orchestra of Costa Rica,
Bahia State Symphony Orchestra

CV / press

"Conductor Nelson Nirenberg introduced a startling nouvelle cuisine of programming... no fat, no junk food, no empty calories. This performance of the Symphony No. 40 (Mozart) showed Nirenberg as a natural and unaffected Mozartean, one of well-spoken tempos, adamant transparency and palpable subtext. (...) the orchestral sound proved consistent and balanced, intonational practices just and ensemble values even. One does not expect to hear Mozart's most cherishable Symphony played so handsomely outside the mainstream, but, thus heard, one would be irresponsible to deny it."
LOS ANGELES TIMES

"(...) good music played with skill and devotion, whetted one's appetite for more."
THE NEW YORK TIMES

"Nirenberg took fresh approaches to Tchaikovsky's familiar Fifth Symphony emphasizing the lyrical content of the piece - and thereby heightening its climaxes. So well did this approach, and the many details Nirenberg utilized in its support, work, the tradition-encrusted Fifth seemed new again. (...) The orchestra played splendidly, with a zest and attentiveness that brought out the often-missing ebullience in this work."
LOS ANGELES TIMES

“The English Chamber Orchestra performed a programme lavished with the heady exuberance of an entirely Brazilian piquancy. (...) The magnificent group of professionals struck out with with 18th Century composer José Maurício’s Overture in D. You could imagine the echoes of Haydn and Mozart trailing through the jacarandas as royalty rubbed shoulders with the sugar barons and their cronies sipping cognac. The faint rumble of surf from Copacabana added the teasing rhythms that would eventually flower into a truly nationalistic identity, making Brazilian music one of the most diverse and colourful of the 20th century. With the Concerto (F. Mignone’s Guitar Concerto) the audience was plunged into a warm and inviting sound-scape: a palette laden without the conventional legacy of most works of this genre, Barbosa-Lima worked with conductor Nelson Nirenberg to shape the piece into an absorbing totality. The prelude from Bachianas Brasileira No. 4 followed and prepared the gathered dignitaries for the premiere of the last major work by this composer. (...) cast Villa-Lobos’ vibrant spell over all those fortunate souls able to attend this special occasion.”
CLASSICAL GUITAR MAGAZINE

“Extraordinary (...) Renowned conductor builds his musical dream (…)”
THE STAR-LEDGER

"Nelson Nirenberg is magnificent, a fiery passionate soul. He exudes the art of conducting. (...) Under his expert baton the orchestra sounded marvelous, alive and exciting. A great artist!"
NOTICIAS DEL MUNDO

"Conductor and orchestra received a clamorous, well-deserved ovation. (...)Nirenberg succeeded where other conductors often fail in producing the gemüetlich and sparkling qualities of Mozart's style. The opening movement resonated brilliantly but gently - unhurried, charming. (...) a most enjoyable evening"
ISRAEL TODAY

"A first-rate concert! Conductor Nelson Nirenberg designed a program that balanced elegant classical style with modern tonalities and an exciting display of virtuoso musicianship. (...) Nirenberg's approach to the Symphony (Schubert's 5th.) emphasized crisply delineated tempi and a joyful energetic drive. An excellent performance (...) received an ovation."
BULLETIN

"I am impressed by Nelson Nirenberg. He conducts with a very personal style. Nirenberg is dramatic, exciting, dynamic. He is a fantastic conductor!"
LA OPINION

"Great energy, personal charisma and a concern for well-honed textural and timbral contrasts (...) Mendelssohn's 5th Symphony bustled brightly with robust sound and dramatic verve."
LOS ANGELES TIMES

"Nelson Nirenberg has been internationally acclaimed as one of the foremost conductors of his generation(...) A musician with great skills and a magistral conducting technique."
JORNAL DO BRASIL

"(...) Nelson Nirenberg achieved an unqualified success."
LOS ANGELES TIMES

"Mr. Nirenberg displayed his knowledge of the work by a reading that was graceful, lilting and sensitive.(...) A fair-sized audience braved the seasonal storm and responded enthusiastically to the evening's fare (...) a standing ovation."
ISRAEL TODAY

"The composer (Krenek) was on hand to share the hearty applause that Nirenberg's deliberate account earned. (...) Nirenberg controlled the vigor, enforcing effective dynamic terracing in an account both passionate and purposeful."
LOS ANGELES TIMES

"The acclaimed Brazilian Maestro Nelson Nirenberg received an outstanding ovation. (...) Nirenberg's conducting is a jewel!"
JORNAL DO COMMERCIO

"Nirenberg and his musicians urged the piece (Penderecki's Viola Concerto) forcefully. The American Chamber Symphony has become an excellent band, and exerts a strong presence(...)The orchestra's manifold virtues were readily audible in Rossini's L'Italiana in Algeri Overture and Beethoven's First Symphony. Powerful, cohesive playing from the strings, and bright, attractive solo winds distinguish the group and gave these repertory standards vigorous charm.(...) Nirenberg has a prancing podium manner that elicits energy and verve"
LOS ANGELES TIMES

"Nelson Nirenberg penetrates the greatest depths and fully hits the soul of the work he performs(...) there is the true talent of an artist."
DIARIO DO PARANA

The American Chamber Symphony, under conductor Nelson Nirenberg, closed its season on a high note. (...) Nirenberg's conducting worked well at drawing out the variety of tonal shifts and rhythmic eccentricities, while sustaining a bright, solid ensemble sound ... warm and cheerful. It was a good note on which to end the season."
BULLETIN

"(...) In the capable hands of conductor Nelson Nirenberg, the ensemble's strings played with gusto. (...) Haydn benefited from rich strong tone and an energetic pace set by Nirenberg."
LOS ANGELES TIMES

"We attended the last two concerts of the American Chamber Symphony conducted by Nelson Nirenberg and we were impressed. They are a tight, cohesive group with a flair that emanates from their dedication as well as from Nirenberg's drive. (...) brilliant, first class! Go see and hear them."
OVERTURE

"Conductor Nirenberg convincingly elicited its Gallic spirit (Poulenc's Mouvements) played with neatness of detail and smooth ensemble. Mr. Nirenberg and his musicians must be admired(...)"
WORLD AND MUSIC

"A Concert Gem!
Music Director and Conductor Nelson Nirenberg conceived a program that was imaginative and musically challenging, juxtaposing periods, styles and instrumentations in a way that kept the musicians and audience totally involved. there was also a congeniality of spirit that is unusual at a concert."
ISRAEL TODAY

"Nelson Nirenberg is a genius, I hope he returns soon."
DIARIO DE NOTICIAS

"One thing that can be said for Nelson Nirenberg, conductor of the American Chamber Symphony, is that he rarely opts for the conventional.(...)Nirenberg's emphasized the Appolonian traits of the piece (Stravinsky's Apollon Musagete).(...)Produced an unusually rich, full, perfectly blended sound.(...)A brisk, clean and lively reading. Nirenberg took the subtitle at face value (Haydn's "La Passione") and gave it a fiery reading."
LOS ANGELES TIMES

"A sold-out concert hall gave a standing ovation to the renowned Nelson Nirenberg and the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra."
JORNAL DO BRASIL

"Creative Mix"
"Music Director and Conductor Nelson Nirenberg again showed his flair for putting a good show. Nirenberg who established his musical credentials in his homeland, Brazil, has built an orchestra that strives for a blend of the original, the forgotten, and the traditional. With particular focus on composers of South America. American Chamber Symphony evenings usually include the debut of new works, often in American or world premiere, rarely heard or neglected compositions by major composers, and a selection from the classic orchestral repertoire(...) a perfect, creative mix.(...) The resulting performance was totally engrossing(...)The audience reaction was ebullient. His American Chamber Symphony is an enrichment to the Southern California musical scene."
BULLETIN

"When Nirenberg was 13, a celebrated conductor predicted that he would make one of the most distinguished musical careers that one has heard of. Today he has confirmed that."
CORREIO DA MANHA

"Judging from the audiences at Nirenberg's Monday-night series, the orchestra has many followers. Considering how well the 40-member ensemble can play, those followers would seem to be doing the right thing."
LOS ANGELES TIMES

"Nirenberg displayed a persuasive personality in the podium, evident mastery of the scores and orchestra, presiding with clear and precise commands.(...) Nirenberg and the National Symphony Orchestra produced from the outset a velvety, opulent full of nuance sound in the strings.(...) They offered an exuberant performance, grandiose in the climaxes, powerful and well-balanced. (...) The audience rewarded him with a clamorous ovation, and due to the insistent applause Nirenberg had to encore the last movement (Tchaikovsky's 5th. Symphony)."
LA NACION

"The American Chamber Symphony Sunday evening concert was a solid success, produced with the freshness and verve Nirenberg and his players mustered, it too entertained."
LOS ANGELES TIMES

"The American Chamber Symphony played to a full house in Tuesday night's concert. Music Director and Conductor Nelson Nirenberg was quite interesting to watch as he utilized sweeping motions, dance-like body involvement and strong facial expressions to bring the orchestra together in a cohesive ensemble. Particularly noticeable was the obvious warmth and empathy between soloist and conductor. If leaving the audience in a happy frame of mind is an indication of a successful concert, then this concert was most successful."
NEWS-REVIEW

"Music Director Nirenberg arranged a balanced program of works by Brahms, Laderman and Poulenc. They revealed Nirenberg's wind-players as virtuosic, rich in tone. Nirenberg gave it (Ezra Laderman's Concerto) a fair reading, one timed, paced and articulated most carefully .(...) achieved many charms."

LOS ANGELES TIMES

"Maestro Nelson Nirenberg was the first foreign conductor ever invited to conduct in Mexico an entire program of Mexican composers. He achieved an outstanding success."
O DIA

"A little concert played by spirited musicians in a small jewel of a setting already begins to approach an ideal. Add to that the particular pluses offered by the American Chamber Symphony and the outline takes definite, delectable shape. One had to cheer not just the astutely chosen program but the deserving opportunities it conferred. If there were no other good news to report, the evening would still have warmed the musical cockles of many a heart. But there's more. Nirenberg and the orchestra offered complimentary elan. (...) bright musical impulses won out overall for an expansive and characterful account of this wonderfully bumptious, genial and tenderly humane work (Haydn's Il Distratto)."
LOS ANGELES TIMES

"(...) Deserve a hearty bravo! In all it was a joyous concert and this column hopes the American Chamber Symphony and Nelson Nirenberg will be back next season."
WORLD AND MUSIC

“Brazil Shows It Can Be Classical, Too”
“(..) the concert was a way to put the spotlight on a side of Brazil’s culture that is generally overshadowed by its success in the world global pop. Nelson Nirenberg, a Brazilian who divides his time between Rio de Janeiro and Montclair, N.J., conducted the New York Chamber Symphony. He opened the program with the Sinfonia from “Fosca” an opera by Antonio Carlos Gomes, a contemporary of Verdi (…). He assimilated the Italian style completely, and this overture has it all: gracefully winding woodwind themes, big ominous brass chords, a section given to quietly haunting string writing that bowed to “la Traviata,” and tub-thumping bombast in the final pages. (…) Mignone’s Fantasia Brasileira No. 3, a compact sparkling work for piano and orchestra. Unlike the Gomes, which is thoroughly European work, the Mignone draws on quintessentially Brazilian elements - the same ones, in fact, that continue to make Brazilian music and jazz so lively and so easily placed . (…) the orchestral fabric has the kind of distinctive coloration that Copland and Bernstein borrowed(…) offers some dazzling moments, (…) Mr. Nirenberg closed the concert with two works by Villa-Lobos. (…)rich, deep string sonorities (Bachianas No. 4). (…) bright and cosmopolitan, and the (Suite No. 2) “Macumba” with its sweeping strings, vivid brass writing and insistent percussion, closes with a grandly cinematic flourish. The orchestra was in fine shape(…) the orchestra’s playing was bright and energetic, and it brought an appealing warmth and suppleness to the Gomes and the Villa-Lobos.”
THE NEW YORK TIMES