Grant O’Brien is a highly accomplished conductor with a passion for innovation and a deep understanding of the evolving role of classical music in our culture. With a career marked by intense pressure, flexibility, and creativity, Grant has thrived in roles that demand excellence.

Recently, Grant finished his second season as the Assistant Conductor and Music Director of Youth Orchestras for the Jacksonville Symphony, where he performed and covered numerous programs. With the Jacksonville Symphony, Grant conducted performances with acclaimed artists such as the Indigo Girls, Tony Desare, and Michael Cavanaugh. As a Guest Conductor for the Hartford Symphony Grant showcased his adaptability and ability to step in at a moment’s notice. In one instance, he conducted a performance of “Elf – Live in Concert” with less than a day’s notice. 

Grant’s experience extends beyond traditional orchestras. As the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Empire Film and Media Ensemble, he produced and conducted over 30 live-to-film concerts, recording projects, and other multimedia experiences with musical ensembles. He worked with a diverse range of ensembles and musicians for each performance, recruiting and managing all personnel.

Grant received an Undergraduate and Master’s Degree from the Eastman School of Music where he studied with teachers, Neil Varon, Mark Watters, and Brad Lubman. Other conductors worked with include Courtney Lewis, JoAnn Falletta, Case Scaglione, Jeannette Sorrell, and Carlos Miguel Prieto.

In the realm of teaching, Grant served as the Music Director of Youth Orchestras for the Jacksonville Symphony, teaching and mentoring 80 students in weekly rehearsals. He also made conductor visits to schools across Duval County to recruit local high school musicians. In addition to this, he designed and executed community and educational concerts that reached thousands of students in the Northeast Florida region.

*Grant’s chair is endowed by the Marks Family Foundation.