Marc Taddei
Marc Taddei is one of Australasia’s leading conductors, widely recognised for transforming orchestras through imaginative programming, artistic ambition and deep community engagement.
Celebrated for his “magnificent contribution as Music Director” by The Press, lauded as “a real interpreter of boldly romantic inclinations” by the Dominion Post and singled out for his “intensity, commitment and attention to detail” by the Capital times, conductor Marc Taddei was appointed Music Director of Orchestra Wellington in 2007, leading its transformation into one of New Zealand’s leading orchestras.
Under his leadership, Orchestra Wellington has become recognised for ambitious thematic programming, championing New Zealand composers and interdisciplinary collaborations, while achieving sustained audience growth and widespread critical acclaim. The orchestra has earned particular acclaim for performances that combine artistic excellence with adventurous programming, including Berlioz’s Grande messe des morts, Busoni’s monumental Piano Concerto, the New Zealand premiere of Alban Berg’s Wozzeck, major collaborations with choirs, dancers and visual artists, and the commissioning and performance of numerous new works by New Zealand composers.
Taddei established Orchestra Wellington’s Composer-in-Residence programme, now the longest-running orchestral composer-in-residence programme in New Zealand, reflecting his longstanding commitment to fostering new music and supporting the country’s composers.
Since 2016 Taddei has also served as Music Director of California’s Vallejo Symphony, where he has led a sustained artistic and organisational renewal through imaginative programming, expanded education initiatives, strengthened community partnerships and significant audience growth.
Previously he served as Music Director of the Christchurch Symphony, where he introduced the orchestra’s first subscription series and led a period of remarkable artistic development. Across Christchurch, Wellington and Vallejo, his leadership has consistently combined artistic ambition with audience development, organisational growth and long-term financial sustainability.
Taddei conducts regularly throughout Australasia and has appeared with leading orchestras and arts organisations across Asia and the United States, including the Hong Kong Philharmonic, Hong Kong Sinfonietta, New York City Ballet, Richmond Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, Oregon Symphony, Royal New Zealand Ballet and Opera New Zealand. He has collaborated with artists including Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Anne Sofie von Otter, Diana Krall, Joshua Redman and Art Garfunkel.
A passionate advocate for contemporary music, Taddei has commissioned, premiered and recorded numerous new works, established composer-in-residence programmes in both New Zealand and the United States, and worked closely with generations of composers to expand the orchestral repertoire.
His discography includes more than thirty commercial recordings for Sony Classical, ABC Classics, Rattle, Atoll and other international labels. His recordings have received international honours, including Classical Album of the Year at the New Zealand Music Awards and the Pizzicato Magazine Supersonic Award. He has also conducted music for major film and television productions, including King Kong, Krampus, Dean Spanley and Under the Mountain.
A graduate of The Juilliard School, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Marc Taddei divides his time between New Zealand and California.
