Testimonials
“A true natural talent.”
“Due to Mr. Johnson’s experience, we were able to immediately confer on him responsibilities of leading the OSM in special concerts and representing the organisation to the public, our donors and the media. In his first season alone, Mr. Johnson led the OSM in front of some 65 000 people over 23 concerts in Montreal. Through these appearances Mr. Johnson has gained the respect of the orchestra musicians through his music making, efficiency, and interpersonal skills, while demonstrating a valuable facility in public relations. Musically and professionally he is well-prepared, and he has demonstrated his ability to build meaningful relationships around his work – all of which are aspects of staying power so important to the career of a young conductor. In short, Mr. Johnson became in a relatively brief period of time an important addition to our Orchestra and for our public.
Kent Nagano
Music Director
Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal and Staatsoper Hamburg
“I had the pleasure and privilege playing under Adam Johnson’s baton for several years in Montreal. His warmth, patience, humour, and ability to connect with audiences and musicians alike on a human level match his undeniable talent as an interpreter of the great orchestral repertoire. He will be sorely missed at the OSM. We wish him the absolute best in his future endeavours, and I personally vouch for him for every opportunity to showcase his abilities as a leader and face of any performing arts institution.”
Andrew Wan
Concertmaster
Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal
Mr. Johnson is an extremely gifted musician. His knowledge and understanding of the orchestral literature as well as his strong and clear conducting skills have been an asset for our organization.
We have had the chance to work on a wide variety of repertoire and styles together, and he has always prepared intelligently and conducted his rehearsal time wisely. His musical ideas are well grounded, yet fresh, his technique is strong and fluid, and he always remains amazingly open to suggestions and collaboration with the musicians.
In addition to being a talented musician, Adam is one of the warmest and most generous people I know. His great spirit and positive attitude are only a few of the many qualities that make him a great human being all around.
Adam Johnson is a marvellously accomplished musician, and I couldn’t recommend him more enthusiastically.
Marianne Dugal
2nd Associate Concertmaster
Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal
I am writing this letter in support of Adam Johnson, whom I know through his time as assistant conductor with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. During that time, I have seen Adam conduct the orchestra in a wide variety of formats including classical, educational, and summer programs, and I have also had the chance to see him work as an essential source of feedback for Kent Nagano and the orchestra as a whole. In addition, I was on the committee to select Mr. Johnson for his initial appointment.
While most assistant conductors begin their tenure with an orchestra somewhat awkwardly, Adam maintained throughout his time a mutual respect, comfort, and confidence that is not always the case even for invited guests. In addition, he was able to unfailingly achieve high-level performances, no matter the program, that supported the continued momentum of the orchestra season. In particular, Adam’s excellent communication skills, whether to the orchestra or the public, serve well to further the expression and reinforce the integrity of his musical ideas. While there are many memorable interactions I personally have had with Mr. Johnson, I most remember his consistent positive and constructive attitude towards the work at hand. His diligence in preparation made it clear he was conscious of the tasks before the orchestra, but he always was able to maintain a calm yet intense focus which reflected itself in the quality of the end result.
I sincerely hope and expect to see Mr. Johnson’s career continue to flourish, and in any case, I remain available if you wish to communicate further about any item.
Ali Kian Yazdanfar
Principal Double Bass
Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal
“Adam Johnson recently completed his contract with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra (l’Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal), after 3 years of superb service.
Besides assisting the Music Director, Kent Nagano, he has overseen repertoire and programming, has directed a variety of types of concerts, and has served as a valued source of counsel for the musicians of the orchestra in all sections.
Adam has clearly demonstrated an intelligent knowledge of musical styles and epochs, and at all times clearly and articulately transmitted his ideas.”
Richard Roberts
Concertmaster – Montreal Symphony Orchestra
Assistant Professor of Violin – McGill University
“He truly has it all. He is kind, the musicians seem to greatly appreciate him, he has absolute clarity in his beat, he knows how to make a piece speak. He created marvels with the Symphonic Dances from West Side Story. I was raised to 7th heaven in this work that I previously considered entertaining at best. Never had I heard it like this.”
Nicole Pagé
I have played bassoon in the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra for 32 years and I am responsible for administering the orchestra surveys of each conductor who leads the orchestra. In Adam’s first season as Resident Conductor with the CPO he has had the highest approval rating of any conductor in the orchestra’s history *(since surveys began??).
Adam has earned the orchestra’s respect through his solid musicianship, clear conducting technique, and warm personality on and off the podium. While conducting single rehearsal programs in our Pops, Symphony Sundays for Kids, and Educational concerts, he has displayed remarkable time management skills; his preparation is excellent and his calm demeanor in the face of severe time constraints makes for efficient rehearsing and confidence amongst the musicians during performances. He displays a genuine respect for the musicians, and assumes full responsibility for the quality of our performances. I greatly appreciate his tempo choices, where he finds a balance between exciting music making while keeping it playable!
Adam was an instant hit with our audience from his first concert, and his ability to create rapport, whether it be a classical, pops, or kids program has been a huge asset. He welcomes any opportunity to speak with the audience both during performances and post concert panels, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. He gives solid interviews in various media, and is actively involved in the orchestra’s fundraising campaigns.
Due to the quality of his interpersonal and musical skills, I believe Adam would be a valuable asset to any orchestra.
Michael Hope
2nd bassoon – Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
Adam gained the support and trust of our Orchestra quickly and completely; he interacts with the musicians with warmth and respect, and inspires them to play at their very best. He is equally beloved by our audiences, donors and media, and has become a prominent “face” of the orchestra in our community. Both on the podium and off, he is a professional, articulate and engaging individual; his popularity in Calgary has no doubt brought brand new audience members to our hall just through having gotten to know him. Furthermore, he is an active and effective fundraiser, with the rare ability to excite and engage people on the topic of music simply by telling them about what he does.
His work with the orchestra has contributed to a noticeable improvement in several areas of artistic quality, no doubt due to his diligent and detailed work on every program he conducts, whether Pops, Education or Classical. His recent performance of Carmina Burana was one of the best performances of this piece I have ever heard. It stood out as an example of his great talent, especially given that he is early in his career – technical prowess aside, Adam has a natural gift for making the music come vividly to life.
Administratively, he is a passionately driven team member, working collaboratively and effectively across departments. He has taken complete ownership of our educational and outreach programming, and has elevated our activities in these areas to a completely new level. His knowledge of the orchestral repertoire is immense, and he has creative programming ideas that work.
Adam is an incredibly hard worker, and has shown the ability to work under extreme pressure and tight timelines, without ever sacrificing quality. He takes his role as “cover conductor” very seriously; he attends every rehearsal as an observer and critical ear, and provides excellent feedback to our guest conductors and Music Director. They repeatedly tell me what a tremendous resource he is in the rehearsal process.
I cannot recommend Adam highly enough.
Heather Slater
Former Director of Artistic Planning
Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
Email received by the CPO office following a concert:
“I just wanted to drop a note to express my gratitude to everyone involved in Saturday night’s performance of Carmina Burana. I’ve been a season subscriber for almost 25 years and I would have to say that Saturday’s performance will stand, for so many different reasons, as one of the highlights. This was only my second opportunity to see Adam Johnson conduct, having previously witnessed his talents at the “Country Christmas with George Canyon” concert, and I would have to say that the CPO has acquired a true talent. I can’t recall an interpretation of Carmina Burana that I have enjoyed as much as this one. From his command of the orchestra and his unique and thoroughly enjoyable interpretation of the material to his choral direction, and obviously possessing a terrific sense of humour, I am certainly hoping to see Adam Johnson at the podium for more of the classic’s series with the CPO in the years to come.
I would be remiss if I didn’t also pay tribute to those who put together the salute to the Calgary Flames at the conclusion of the performance. Whoever came up with the idea and to those who put it all together, all I can say is that it was incredible. Adam did a wonderful job breaking the news to the audience, and what turned into a very special encore was the “cherry on top” of a perfect evening. A heartfelt thank you to the entire Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, management and staff for a truly memorable experience.”
Chris Beare
Manager, Acquisitions/Divestitures
Husky Oil Operations Limited
“The future of orchestral music rests in the hands of young talent like Adam Johnson. Maestro Johnson’s charismatic, collaborative yet commanding presence on the podium is welcome to audiences and musicians alike.
His ability to both verbally and with a baton communicate the essence of the glory of live music is gratifying for all who hear or see him. His comprehensive understanding of music and the art of performance are beyond words. His versatile and committed abilities are well represented by his broad repertoire and willingness to expand his and his audiences’ musical horizons.
Handsome, clever, extremely talented and accessible, Maestro Johnson is building a stellar career and is an exciting talent whom represents the best of what orchestral music can and will be.”
Andrea Brussa
Arts Patron and Philanthropist
Brussa Bravo! Legacy Program, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
Brussa Master Artists Program, Banff Centre for the Arts
“In my 50 years of attendance at CPO concerts, I cannot remember a more thrilling and memorable concert than the performance of Carmina Burana led by our newly appointed Associate Conductor, Adam Johnson. Adam did a masterful job of bringing together the forces of the Cantare Children’s Choir, the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus, soloists and orchestra. His conducting style and his cues seemed to be clearly understood by each of these groups and he brought them all together in this wonderful performance. I also appreciated his exceptional public speaking skills when he addressed the audience.”
Richard Mercer, P. Geol
Philanthropist
“Adam Johnson is an an asset to the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. He is greatly appreciated by the musicians for his musicianship and conducting skill, and by the administrative staff for his professionalism, diligence and enthusiasm. We are very fortunate to have Adam on the team!”
Jennifer MacDonald
Director, Orchestra Operations
Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
“I work closely with a group of students at the University of Calgary known as Chancellor’s Scholars. These extraordinary students are on an educational path to become community and national leaders. Dr. Adam Johnson of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra met with our Scholars this year in a ‘seminar in leadership’ setting. During the seminar, Adam graciously shared his perspectives on leadership and teamwork. He also shared his motivations in life and described the obstacles that he had to overcome on his career path to the podium of the CPO.
Our students were in awe. They regard Dr. Johnson as a young and credible role model who inspires them to make the most of their educational opportunities. I’m so grateful that Adam Johnson commits time and effort to nurture our next generation of leaders.”
Robert Thirsk, OC OBC
Chancellor, University of Calgary
Former astronaut with the Canadian Space Agency
“Mr Johnson’s integrity of leadership at orchestral rehearsals and performances, inspires me to bring my best to the stage and I am deeply grateful.”
G Klassen
Assistant Principal Flute/piccolo endowed chair, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
Founder and Director, Pender Island Flute Retreat
Sessional Flute Instructor, University of Calgary
“His passion for performance makes for truly, remarkably, powerful shows. Adam inspires me to always strive for continued improvement in my own life and career. No matter which milestone he reaches, he’s never settled for only being the best. He raises the bar on what’s expected of the best.”
Denny Morrison
Canadian Speed Skater
4 time Olympic medalist
“Dear Adam, thank you for a most memorable performance of Carmina Burana. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and your extraordinary dynamic and very powerful passionate conducting of the CPO.
You were clearly in charge of the orchestra, soloists and the choral ensemble and encouraged the musicians to play with such enthusiasm and love for the music.
As a conductor you have the ability to craft your gestures and movement to express how you want the orchestra to sound.
Bravo Adam. Look forward to the next time you will be on the podium.
Best, David.”
David Lyons
Entrepreneur
Philanthropist
Sir Jack Lyons Trust
Jerusalem Foundation of Canada