Daniel Capps

Biography

Daniel Capps is a distinguished conductor who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music and ballet. He has achieved considerable recognition and success through his work with prestigious ballet companies and orchestras.

Capps began his journey in the world of dance with the Royal Ballet, making his debut at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden in 2008 and as regular guest conductor thereafter. His work with the Royal Ballet has garnered critical acclaim and has been broadcast worldwide, including a DVD release of Wayne McGregor's ballet Chroma.

Capps made his debut with New York City Ballet in October 2011, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey with this renowned dance company. His talents were quickly recognised, and after several subsequent invitations over the Winter season, he was appointed as Resident Conductor in March 2012.

Also in 2011, Capps made his debut with the National Ballet of Canada, conducting Christopher Wheeldon's ballet Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and in recent seasons he has debuted with Ballet Zürich, The Australian Ballet and Spain’s Compañía Nacional de Danza, all of which have resulted in multiple re-invitations.

Capps has toured extensively to many international destinations, including China, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Cuba, France, Spain, Mexico, Denmark, Australia, Columbia and the United States, performing at prestigious venues such as the Beijing National Theatre, Tiananmen Square, the Kennedy Center in Washington, the Châtelet Theatre in Paris, the Bunka Kaikan in Tokyo, Sydney Opera House and the Gran Teatro in Havana.

Capps' musical journey began with his education at the Royal College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music, where he graduated with distinction and in 2012 was made an Associate (ARAM). During his studies, he honed his skills in conducting under the guidance of notable mentors such as Colin Metters, Sir Colin Davis, Sir Charles Mackerras, Mark Wigglesworth, Peter Eötvös, Thomas Adès, and George Hurst. He was the recipient of several prestigious awards and scholarships, including the Sir Henry Wood scholarship, the Bob Harding Award, the Ernest Read Conducting Prize, and the Fred Southhall Memorial Prize for conducting.

Daniel also acted as assistant conductor to Sir John Eliot Gardiner from 2003, notably with the Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique, whilst also working for the BBC for their Prix Italia winning film about the first performance of Beethoven's Eroica Symphony. Daniel again assisted Sir John Eliot Gardiner and the ORR during their residence at the Châtelet Theatre, Paris, conducting in each of the performances of Berlioz' Les Troyens, the DVD of which won a Gramophone Award. He also worked on La Finta Giardiniera with the English Baroque Soloists at the Royal Opera House and the ORR's Brahms project.

Daniel has collaborated with orchestras and ensembles all over the world, including the Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Royal Danish Orchestra, Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Tokyo Philharmonic, Philharmonia Zürich, National Ballet Orchestra of China, New Japan Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra of Columbia, Kansai Philharmonic, Washington Opera Orchestra, Orquesta Sinfónica del Gran Teatro de La Habana, National Symphony Orchestra of Taiwan, Opera Australia Orchestra, Orchestre national d'Ile de France, Orchestra of the National Ballet of Canada, Orchestra Victoria, Orquestra de Cadaqués, Orchestre de Franche-Comté, and the Monteverdi Choir, among others. He has conducted concerts throughout Europe, including performances in St. Petersburg, Paris, Vienna, Berlin, Barcelona, Stockholm, Prague, Tallinn, Bucharest, Dubrovnik, Krakow, Helsinki, Bratislava, Porto, Brasov, and across the UK.

Throughout his illustrious career, Daniel Capps has left an indelible mark on the worlds of classical music and ballet, earning a reputation for his exceptional conducting skills, versatility and artistry. His natural talent, dedication to his craft, and collaborations with renowned institutions and artists have solidified his status as a respected conductor and a vital figure in the world of music and dance.