Hubbry Logo
Karel Mark ChichonKarel Mark ChichonMain
Open search
Karel Mark Chichon
Community hub
Karel Mark Chichon
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Karel Mark Chichon
Karel Mark Chichon
Karel Mark Chichon
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia


Key Information

Karel Mark Chichon OBE FRAM (born 30 April 1971) is a British orchestra conductor.

Biography

[edit]

Born in London, Chichon studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London and at the Hochschule für Musik in Vienna under Leopold Hager. Karel Mark Chichon is Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Orquesta Filarmónica de Gran Canaria[1] since May 2017, a position recently renewed until the 2026–2027 season.

Karel Mark Chichon is also Artistic Director of the Gibraltar Philharmonic Society,[2][3]

Career

[edit]

From 2006 to 2009, Chichon was Chief Conductor of the Graz Symphony Orchestra. He was Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra between 2009 and 2012. Chichon became Chief Conductor of the Deutsche Radio Philharmonie Saarbrücken Kaiserslautern (DRP) in September 2011.[4] In March 2013, his initial contract was extended until the 2016–2017 season.[5] In March 2015, Chichon and the orchestra jointly announced that his tenure would conclude at the end of the 2016–2017 season.[6]

In the United States, Chichon made his Metropolitan Opera debut in February 2016 with performances of Madama Butterfly,[7] including one cinema broadcast. In May 2017, he was appointed Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Orquesta Filarmónica de Gran Canaria, effective from the 2017–2018 season.,[8] a position that has been renewed three times until the 2026–2027 season.[8][9]

Discography

[edit]

His commercial recordings include two albums for Deutsche Grammophon, Meditation[10] and Habanera, both featuring his wife Elīna Garanča.[11] In 2014, he recorded Dvořák’s Symphony No. 1 with the DRP for the Hänssler Classic label, the first in a projected cycle of all nine Dvořák symphonies.[12]

Chichon was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2012 Birthday Honours for services to music and culture in Gibraltar.[13] In March 2016, he was named a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music.[14]

Personal life

[edit]

Chichon and Elīna Garanča have two daughters, Catherine Louise Chichon and Cristina Sophie Chichon, who are grandchildren of Harry Chichon and Leonor Chichon.[15][16]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Karel Mark Chichon

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Karel Mark Chichon OBE FRAM (born 1971) is a British conductor of Gibraltarian heritage, renowned for his dynamic interpretations of orchestral and operatic repertoire. Since 2017, he has served as Chief Conductor and of the Orquesta Filarmónica de , a position extended in 2024 through the 2026–27 season. Born in to parents Harry and Leonor Chichon, he maintains strong ties to , where he has been of the Gibraltar Philharmonic Society since 1998. Chichon began his musical training at the Royal Academy of Music in , where he won three major prizes and studied organ before focusing on . He continued his education at the Hochschule für Musik in under Leopold Hager and participated in masterclasses with and . His early career gained momentum at age 24 when he became Chief Conductor of the Craiova State Philharmonic Orchestra in (1995–1998), followed by founding and directing The European Sinfonietta in 1999. Throughout his career, Chichon has held prominent positions including Chief Conductor of the Graz Symphony Orchestra (2006–2009), the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra (2009–2012), and the Deutsche Radio Philharmonie Saarbrücken Kaiserslautern (2011–2017). He made his debut in 2016 conducting and has appeared at leading venues such as and the Opéra National de . His recordings include Dvořák's complete orchestral works for Hänssler Classic and projects for . In recognition of his contributions, he was appointed Officer of the (OBE) in 2012 and elected Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music (FRAM) in 2016. Chichon is married to , with whom he has two daughters.

Early life and education

Birth and family background

Karel Mark Chichon was born in , , on 30 April 1971, to Gibraltarian parents Harry and Leonor Chichon. His family's origins trace back to , a British Overseas Territory, where both parents were born and raised, instilling in him a deep connection to the region's multicultural heritage blending British, Spanish, and Mediterranean influences. Chichon spent much of his early childhood in after his family returned there following his birth, growing up amid the territory's close-knit community and limited formal musical infrastructure. He left at the age of 17 to pursue opportunities in , but maintained strong familial and cultural ties through frequent visits and later contributions to local arts initiatives. The family environment emphasized values of perseverance and support for personal ambitions, with his father Harry making significant sacrifices to nurture Chichon's interests despite the scarcity of professional music resources in during that era. Early exposure to music came primarily through local traditions and church settings rather than orchestral performances, as lacked a resident symphony orchestra, shaping his initial appreciation for music within a community-oriented context. This background provided a foundational that influenced his later career, transitioning into formal training in .

Musical studies and early influences

Chichon enrolled at the Royal Academy of Music in , where he initially studied organ before focusing on . During his time at the academy, he participated in masterclasses led by prominent conductors Sir Colin Davis and Sir Simon Rattle, which profoundly shaped his interpretive approach to orchestral repertoire. These formative experiences were complemented by his early assistantships with esteemed figures such as Giuseppe Sinopoli and , providing hands-on exposure to professional practices and repertoire preparation. Chichon's dedication during this period was recognized through three major prizes awarded by the Royal Academy of Music, highlighting his emerging talent among peers. Following his work at the Royal Academy, Chichon advanced his training at the Hochschule für Musik in , studying orchestral with Leopold Hager, which further refined his technical and artistic skills.

Professional career

Early conducting roles

Chichon's professional conducting career began shortly after completing his studies, with his first major appointment as Chief Conductor of the Craiova State Philharmonic Orchestra in from 1995 to 1998. In this role, he led over 60 symphonic and operatic works, gaining essential experience in repertoire ranging from classical standards to Romantic overtures. Building on this foundation, Chichon served as Assistant Conductor to Giuseppe Sinopoli and , prominent mentors whose guidance shaped his interpretive approach and technical precision during the late 1990s. These assistantships provided exposure to high-level orchestral and operatic preparations. In 1999, Chichon became and Principal Conductor of the European Sinfonietta in , a position that marked his return to the and led to a critically acclaimed tour of , where he conducted a diverse program highlighting and early Classical works. This engagement solidified his reputation for dynamic leadership with chamber ensembles. Concurrently, he assumed the role of of the Gibraltar Philharmonic Society in 1998, elevating its profile through innovative programming in unique venues like . Chichon's early opera conducting experiences emerged prominently in the early 2000s. As Resident Conductor of the Summer on the Greene in New York from 2001 to 2002, he directed full productions of Verdi's , Bellini's , and Rossini's Il Barbiere di Siviglia, demonstrating his affinity for and Italian Romantic . By 2003, Chichon toured with the English Chamber Orchestra, orchestral works that built on his growing international presence. His orchestral debut followed in 2004 at Cadogan Hall, , leading the English Chamber Orchestra in Handel's , which received praise for its vibrant energy and choral-orchestral synergy. Later that year, he made his debut at Graz in with Mozart's Die Zauberflöte, followed by engagements in Lortzing's Der Wildschütz and Puccini's , roles that highlighted his versatility in German and Italian houses during this formative period. These opportunities, often arising from recommendations by his mentors, accelerated his rapid ascent in European circles despite the challenges of establishing himself as a young British conductor abroad. From 2006 to 2009, Chichon served as Chief Conductor of the Graz Symphony Orchestra. He then became Chief Conductor and of the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra from 2009 to 2012.

Major orchestral appointments

Karel Mark Chichon served as Chief Conductor of the Deutsche Radio Philharmonie from September 2011 to 2017. During his tenure, he received widespread critical acclaim for elevating the orchestra's performances, with seasons described as highly successful and praised by both audiences and reviewers for their passion and precision. Chichon's leadership focused on expanding the ensemble's repertoire, including innovative programs that highlighted lesser-known works alongside standard classics, contributing to the orchestra's reputation as a leading regional force in . In May 2017, Chichon was appointed Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of the Orquesta Filarmónica de Gran Canaria, a role he assumed for the 2017/18 season. His contract has been renewed multiple times, most recently in March 2024, extending his leadership through the 2026/27 season until July 2027. Under Chichon, the orchestra has achieved its highest artistic recognition in history, as noted by Spanish national press, with programming innovations that prioritize new commissions—such as numerous premieres in the 2018/19 season alone—and support for local artists and female composers. Chichon's tenure in has driven significant institutional growth, including an increase in concert subscribers to over 1,100 and expanded repertoire that incorporates contemporary and underrepresented voices, fostering deeper through initiatives like annual conducting masterclasses. These efforts have positioned the for ambitious international tours to venues in New York, , , and , enhancing its global profile.

Opera and international engagements

Chichon's debut at the occurred in 2016, where he conducted Giacomo Puccini's , a production that was also broadcast live to cinemas worldwide. He returned to the house for the 2025-26 season to lead Puccini's , featuring soprano Juliana Grigoryan as Mimì. In Europe, Chichon has made significant appearances at major opera houses, including debuts at the and during the 2008-09 season. He has since returned to both venues for productions of Puccini's and , as well as Bizet's , Giuseppe Verdi's and , and Rossini's Il barbiere di Siviglia. More recently, in October 2025, he conducted eight performances of Verdi's at the Berlin Staatsoper, earning critical acclaim for his interpretation alongside a notable cast. Chichon's international engagements extend to guest conducting across continents, fostering collaborations. The previous year, in 2024, he accompanied Garanča in her Hong Kong debut with the Macao Orchestra, presenting a program of renowned selections. In , he led a tour with mezzo-soprano and the New Japan Philharmonic in June 2025, performing operatic arias in and other cities. In the , beyond his work, Chichon has guest-conducted Verdi and Puccini operas at venues like the Gran Teatre del Liceu in and the Arena di Verona, contributing to large-scale summer festivals. These engagements highlight his versatility in operatic repertoire, particularly Italian and traditions.

Recordings and discography

Key orchestral recordings

Chichon's tenure as Chief Conductor of the Deutsche Radio Philharmonie Saarbrücken from 2011 to 2017 produced several notable orchestral recordings, particularly his contributions to a complete Dvořák cycle that emphasized the composer's structural depth and Bohemian vitality. The cycle began under his direction with Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 13 ("The Bells of Zlonice") coupled with the Rhapsody in A minor, Op. 53, recorded in 2015 for SWR Classic; critics praised the performance for its youthful exuberance and precise orchestral color, marking the first installment in what became a multi-conductor project. Subsequent volumes under Chichon included Symphonies Nos. 3 and 4 on SWR Classic in 2016, where his interpretations highlighted the symphonies' dramatic contrasts and rhythmic drive, earning acclaim for the orchestra's cohesive phrasing and . He also led No. 5 in F major, Op. 76 in 2017, noted for its bucolic lyricism and Chichon's ability to balance pastoral tenderness with energetic climaxes, further solidifying the cycle's reputation for fresh, idiomatic readings. Another significant release from this period was Revolutionary Rhythms (2018, Oehms Classics), featuring Stravinsky's The Firebird Suite, selections from Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet Suites, and de Falla's Suite with the Deutsche Radio Philharmonie. This album showcased Chichon's command of modernist rhythms and vivid orchestration, with reviewers commending the recording's live-like intensity and the ensemble's precision in capturing the works' primal energy. These projects reflected his evolving recording approach, prioritizing the orchestra's inherent vitality over studio polish to convey the scores' emotional immediacy. With the Orquesta Filarmónica de , where Chichon has served as Chief Conductor and Artistic Director since 2017, orchestral recordings have focused on Spanish and contemporary repertoire, though fewer commercial releases have emerged to date compared to his earlier work. A key example is the 2020 virtual performance recording of Mahler's No. 2 (""), which integrated the orchestra's warm with expansive phrasing, though primarily noted in performance contexts rather than standalone album acclaim. His collaborations have emphasized repertoire like works by natives or Iberian composers, building on his principal appointment to explore regional sonic identities through recordings that capture the ensemble's expressive flexibility.

Opera and vocal collaborations

Karel Mark Chichon's recorded opera projects and vocal collaborations primarily feature partnerships with leading singers, emphasizing and romantic repertoire through major label releases on . His work often highlights interpretive depth, with a focus on dramatic expression and orchestral support for vocal lines, as seen in full productions and aria collections. A landmark recording is the 2017 DVD of Donizetti's , captured live at the Bayerische Staatsoper in , where Chichon conducted the Bayerisches Staatsorchester and Chor der Bayerischen Staatsoper. Starring as Léonore, Matthew Polenzani as Fernand, and Mariusz Kwiecień as Alfonso XI, the production under Amélie Niermeyer's direction explores themes of love and power in bel canto style, with Chichon's precise rhythms and virtuosic tempi enhancing the vocal agility and emotional intensity of the cast. Released by , this recording received acclaim for its balance of dramatic pacing and lyrical finesse, establishing Chichon's affinity for 19th-century . Chichon's vocal collaborations frequently center on Elīna Garanča, showcasing romantic and operatic arias. In 2010, he led the Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale della for Garanča's Habanera album, featuring fiery selections like Bizet's "Habanera" from and other gypsy songs, interpreted with passionate phrasing and idiomatic flair that underscore the mezzo-soprano's dramatic range. The recording, on , highlights Chichon's ability to infuse orchestral color into vocal narratives, drawing from and traditions. Further partnerships include contributions to Roberto Alagna's 2005 The Bizet Album on , where Chichon conducted the Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale della RAI for duets such as the "Séguedille et Duo" from with Alagna and Garanča, emphasizing lyrical interplay and rhythmic vitality in the romantic repertoire. In 2014, Chichon directed the Deutsche Radio Philharmonie and Latvian Radio Choir for Garanča's album, a collection of sacred arias and songs like Mascagni's "Ave Maria" from , rendered with reverent introspection and subtle dynamic shifts to evoke spiritual depth. Extending to other singers, Chichon's 2022 recording of Verdi arias with tenor Jonathan Tetelman and the Orquesta Filarmónica de Gran Canaria on Deutsche Grammophon features excerpts like "Non maledirmi, o prode" from I due Foscari, approached with robust vocal projection and orchestral transparency that accentuates Verdi's dramatic orchestration. Additionally, the 2019 Sol y Vida album with Garanča and the Orquesta Filarmónica de Gran Canaria presents romantic Spanish and Latin American songs, including arrangements of "Granada," interpreted through warm, evocative phrasing that blends operatic intensity with folk-like intimacy. These projects collectively demonstrate Chichon's versatility in supporting vocalists across opera and recital formats up to 2025.

Awards and personal life

Honors and recognitions

In 2012, Karel Mark Chichon was appointed Officer of the (OBE) in the for his services to music and culture in . Chichon was elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music (FRAM) in March 2016, recognizing his distinguished achievements as a conductor. In August 2019, he received the Medallion of Honour for excelling in his field of music as a conductor outside Gibraltar and for his contributions to culture. Chichon was awarded the Extraordinary Achievement Award by Gibraltar Cultural Services in November 2020, honoring his exceptional international career in music and its impact on . In 2021, he was inducted into the Gibraltar Music Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2021, acknowledging his lifetime contributions to music.

Family and residence

Karel Mark Chichon is married to Latvian Elīna Garanča, with whom he has collaborated on select recordings and performances that blend their professional lives. The couple has two daughters, Catherine Louise, born in 2011, and Cristina Sophie, born on , 2014. They balance their demanding international schedules by traveling as a family to concerts, such as bringing their daughters to for a 2024 . Chichon resided in Latvia from 2009 to 2012 during his tenure with the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, and the family maintains a home in ; Garanča, a native of the city, speaks Latvian with their children there. In 2020, he was granted Latvian citizenship for special merit, joining his family's existing Latvian passports. As of , the family resides primarily in , with a home in Málaga and Chichon's professional base in . His Gibraltarian heritage ties him closely to the territory. Reflecting his roots, Chichon serves as of the Gibraltar Philharmonic Society, a registered charity he has led since to promote through concerts in venues like , attracting international artists and fostering local cultural engagement.

References

  1. https://karelmarkchichon.com/?page_id=358
  2. https://www.intermusica.com/artist/Karel-Mark-Chichon
  3. https://operawire.com/karel-mark-chichon-to-remain-head-of-orquesta-filmarmonica-de-gran-canaria-until-2026-27-season/
  4. https://www.operadeparis.fr/en/artists/karel-mark-chichon
  5. https://www.metopera.org/discover/artists/conductor/karel-mark-chichon/
  6. https://operawire.com/elina-garanca-karel-mark-chichon-land-new-management/
  7. https://www.drp-orchester.de/drp/orchester/principal_conductor100.html
  8. https://www.chronicle.gi/chichon-to-be-made-a-fellow-of-the-royal-academy-of-music-2/
  9. https://karelmarkchichon.com/?page_id=30
  10. https://www.operabase.com/karel-mark-chichon-a9290/bio/en
  11. https://www.plateamagazine.com/noticias/16602-la-orquesta-filarmonica-de-gran-canaria-renueva-la-titularidad-de-karel-mark-chichon-hasta-la-temporada-26-27
  12. https://www.intermusica.com/news/4596
  13. https://www.intermusica.com/news/5306
  14. https://www.metopera.org/season/2025-26-season/la-boheme/
  15. https://www.intermusica.com/news/5564
  16. https://www.surinenglish.com/gibraltarian-conductor-triumphs-berlin-state-opera-20251103143122-nt.html
  17. https://www.facebook.com/IntermusicaLTD/posts/this-week-mezzo-soprano-elina-garanca-and-conductor-karel-mark-chichon-kick-off-/743449774866356/
  18. https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202410/02/P2024093000526.htm
  19. https://www.intermusica.com/artist/Karel-Mark-Chichon/reviews
  20. https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8057381--dvorak-complete-symphonies-volume-1
  21. https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8185379--dvorak-symphonies-nos-3-4
  22. http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2017/jan/Dvorak_sys_CD93344.htm
  23. https://www.discogs.com/release/13916841-Igor-Stravinsky-Sergei-Prokofiev-Manuel-De-Falla-Deutsche-Radio-Philharmonie-Karel-Mark-Chichon-Revo
  24. https://arkivmusic.com/products/dvorak-symphonies-nos-3-4-chichon-deutsche-172682
  25. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UyvnRG787Y
  26. https://operawire.com/la-favorite-dvd-review-elina-garanca-and-matthew-polenzani-are-outstanding-in-this-deutsche-grammophon-release/
  27. https://www.deutschegrammophon.com/en/catalogue/products/elina-garanca-habanera-10122
  28. https://www.deutschegrammophon.com/en/catalogue/products/arias-jonathan-tetelman-12721
  29. https://www.deutschegrammophon.com/en/catalogue/products/sol-y-vida-garanca-372
  30. https://www.ram.ac.uk/about-us/honours
  31. https://www.chronicle.gi/gibraltar-medallion-of-honour-and-distinction-announced/
  32. https://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/press-releases/cultural-awards-2020-results-7722020-6356
  33. https://www.chronicle.gi/musicians-announced-for-gibraltar-music-hall-of-fame-induction-ceremony/
  34. https://smdp.com/lifestyle/opera-icon-returns-to-broadstage-for-family-affair/
  35. https://www.baltic-course.com/eng/baltic_news/?doc=12446
  36. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1988033/bio/
  37. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/music/conductor-chichon-gets-latvian-citizenship-for-special-merit.a383957/
  38. https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/legends/elina-garanca/14053776
  39. https://operawire.com/elina-garanca-speaks-about-her-future-plans/
  40. https://www.philharmonic.gi/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.