Versatility, passion and innovation are the hallmarks of Americanconductor Janna Hymes. Renowned for her inspiring performances,musical depth and energetic presence both on and off the podium, she has developed a reputation as an exciting, detailed communicator. Praised by the press as “anarchitect, a builder in sound, a conductorwith an overall view who never misses details”, Ms. Hymes has been Artistic Director of Indiana’s Carmel Symphony Orchestra since fall 2017.
Ms. Hymes was born in New York City where her parents worked in the entertainment field. Her father worked until his recent passing at age 96, as Lighting Consultant to SNL, the Tonight Show and the Seth Myers show. He won Emmys in 1965 and 53 years later in 2018. Ms. Hymes’ mother was a Broadway Associate Producer who won a Tony in 1977 for Porgy and Bess. Ms. Hymes was given the gift of attending many productions during her early years, sparking a great interest. She started playing the piano at age 8 and later in high school, the cello.
As a student at the High School of Music and Art, Ms. Hymes was in orchestra rehearsal one day when the conductor was late. She jumped onto the podium to conduct Beethoven Symphony No 1, until the conductor arrived, and never looked back. Ms. Hymes, a Fulbright Scholar and prize winner at International Competitions has conducted many orchestras in the United States as well as France, Costa Rica, Mexico and Holland.
