International Guest Conductor
She started her professional musical career as a concert pianist touring for five years the U.S., Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and Japan, until an injury to her right hand, 1973, forced her to retire as a solo pianist. Born, Vienna, Austria, Agnes Grossmann first studied piano with internationally renowned Choral Conductor, Ferdinand Grossmann, her father. Graduating, Hochschule für Musik, Vienna, Ms. Grossmann, after her accident, studied orchestral and choral conducting in Vienna, 1974-78, before becoming Assistant Conductor, Vienna Jeunesses Choir. Ms. Grossmann’s first tenure in Canada came, 1981, when she was Visiting Professor, Choral and Orchestral Activities, Ottawa University. Returning briefly to Austria, 1983, she was made Artistic Director, Vienna Singakademie, 1983, before being appointed Artistic Director, Chamber Players of Toronto, 1984-90, and simultaneously, Artistic Director and Conductor, Orchestre Metropolitain de Montréal, 1985-1995. A conductor with great energy, Agnes Grossmann was chosen “Woman of the Year” in the Arts in Montreal, 1987, the same year she made her debut with both Ottawa’s National Arts Centre Orchestra and Salzburg’s Mozarteum Orchester, 1988. Appointed Artistic Director, Vienna Boys’ Choir, 1996-98, she guided the very successful 500th Anniversary Tour of this internationally famous vocal group throughout the great music halls of North America. Recipient, Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree, Mount St. Vincent University, Halifax, 1991, Conductor Grossmann received, 1992, the Silver Honorary Cross for Outstanding Artistic Achievement from the Austrian Government, 1992, as well as the Golden Honorary Cross of the City of Vienna, 1995. Resuming, 1999, her international guest-conducting career, Dr. Grossmann made her debut with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, 1999, and was reappointed Artistic Director of the Orford Arts Centre, Montreal, the same year. [Photo, courtesy Agnes Grossmann]