Grant O’Brien is gaining national attention as a conductor of remarkable versatility, artistic integrity, and imaginative programming. Recently completing his second season as Assistant Conductor and Music Director of Youth Orchestras for the Jacksonville Symphony, O’Brien led a broad spectrum of concerts—ranging from classical subscription to pops collaborations with the Indigo Girls, Tony DeSare, and Michael Cavanaugh—while also covering performances for Music Director Courtney Lewis. His capacity to excel under pressure is evidenced by a standout engagement with the Hartford Symphony, where he conducted Elf – Live in Concert on less than a day’s notice.

Beyond traditional orchestral settings, O’Brien served as Artistic Director and Conductor of the Empire Film and Media Ensemble, producing and conducting more than 30 live-to-film concerts and recording projects. Renowned for his ability to bridge classical repertoire with multimedia experiences, he has also collaborated with a diverse range of musicians, recruiting and managing personnel for each project. Further conducting roles have included Assistant Conductor of the Augusta Symphony, and video playback operator for CineConcerts, underscoring his fluid versatility in classical and cinematic realms.

A dedicated educator, O’Brien shaped the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras program, mentoring over 80 students in weekly rehearsals and reaching thousands more through community and educational concerts across Northeast Florida. He holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees in conducting from the Eastman School of Music, where he studied with Neil Varon, Mark Watters, and Brad Lubman, and has worked closely with esteemed conductors such as JoAnn Falletta, Case Scaglione, Jeannette Sorrell, and Carlos Miguel Prieto. Through his dynamic artistry, unwavering commitment to inclusive programming, and proven track record of success under pressure, Grant O’Brien stands at the forefront of a new generation of conductors shaping the future of classical music.

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