Belgian conductor, pianist and vocal coach, Kristof Van Grysperre, stands as a celebrated figure in the world of classical music, earning accolades and recognition for his exceptional talent and remarkable versatility. As praised by the Orange County Register, Van Grysperre's performances are marked by an extraordinary blend of skill and artistry, embodying "gifted and stylistically impeccable" qualities, coupled with a unique ability to wield both musical power and sensitivity.
A notable highlight of Van Grysperre's illustrious career has been his association with the Long Beach Opera, where he has conducted a series of productions that have consistently garnered high acclaim which includes the likes of Frida, Candide, Hydrogen Jukebox, King Gesar, and the world premiere of Fallujah, which was live broadcasted by KCET and which he also conducted in his New York City Opera debut.
Van Grysperre recently graced the stage with his conducting prowess at the Chicago Opera Theater, leading stellar performances of The Consul, starring Patricia Racette and Victoria Livengood. He also made an indelible mark at the iconic Carnegie Hall with An Evening of Opera.
Van Grysperre's reputation as a conductor is built upon his remarkable proficiency in both traditional and contemporary repertoire. He is widely regarded for his unwavering commitment to precision and clarity, coupled with a profound mastery of detail. His extensive repertoire includes over sixty operas, and he has conducted captivating performances for organizations such as Opera Pacific, Baltimore Opera Studio, Intimate Opera Company, USC Opera, and Cal State Los Angeles.
Inspired by his mentor Carlo Bergonzi, Van Grysperre is deeply committed to nurturing emerging talent in the world of opera. As the Artistic Director of Angels Vocal Art, he has conducted captivating renditions of operas like Tosca, The Consul, Il Trittico, La Traviata, Anya17, Candide, and a resplendent Gran Gala di Verdi at past summer Festivals. Currently, he serves as the Director of Opera and Vocal Studies at Azusa Pacific University, where he continues to shape the future of operatic talent.
Beyond the conductor's podium, Kristof Van Grysperre is highly sought-after as a coach for both singers and conductors. His expertise has been harnessed by prestigious institutions such as the Tanglewood Music Center Vocal Program, Aspen Opera Center, Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, SongFest, California Conducting Workshop, and the University of Southern California, where he held the position of acting music director for the USC Thornton Opera.
Equally at home as a recording engineer, he built a new state-of-the-art coaching and recording studio, complete with acoustic panels and green screen, and produced La Voix Humaine during the Pandemic.
Van Grysperre has been honored with numerous awards and fellowships, including the prestigious Fulbright Grant. At the USC Thornton School of Music, he completed a Doctorate and two Master of Music degrees, all with highest honors, with major fields in keyboard collaborative arts and orchestral conducting. He also studied at the Conservatories of Liège and Ghent (Belgium) where he obtained Concert Diplomas for both piano and chamber music.
https://www.vangrysperre.com
https://www.angelsvocalart.org
0:40 - The Covid Production that Sparked a New Style
9:52 - Kristof's Origins
16:37 - The Random Phone Call That Launched a Career
20:41 - Giving Back, Re-Founding Angels Vocal Art
27:53 - Azusa Pacific University
33:07 - Why Classical Music at All?
37:13 - What's the Difference Between an Armature and a Professional?
40:34 - How to Get on the YES List
47:36 - How to Handle a Bad Pianist...
52:03 - How Would You Like to be Remembered?
56:29 - Final Words
