BIOGRAPHY
Stephan Fillare has maintained an impressive conducting career throughout the United States, contributing his musical expertise to various roles and engagements. Noteworthy highlights include his tenure as the inaugural Harmony Conducting Fellow of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra. During this time, Stephan conducted a Young People’s Concert featuring the music of Gabriela Lena Frank and led a segment with the iconic compositions of John Williams. His continued ties to New Haven were evident as he returned in March 2023 to direct performances of Arturo Marquez's Danzón No.2 marking a significant chapter in his musical journey.
Currently a second-year DMA Orchestral Conducting candidate at the College-Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati, Ohio, Stephan studies under the guidance of the esteemed conductor and pedagogue, Mark Gibson. As a Yates Fellow, Stephan enjoys additional scholarship support, fully funding his educational pursuits at the College-Conservatory of Music. His recent work includes conducting performances with the CCM Philharmonia, featuring works by Barber, Mendelssohn, Mozart, and Smetana.
Stephan Fillare served as the Assistant Conductor at the New York Repertory Orchestra for four years, concurrently holding the position of Concertmaster. With the Manhattan Opera Studio, he guest conducted two productions of Mozart operas, le Nozze di Figaro and Die Zauberflöte. Notably, he collaborated with the New Camerata Opera on a double bill production of John Blow’s Venus & Adonis and Gustav Holst’s Sävitri. As a Guest Conductor, Stephan has worked with the longstanding New Amsterdam Symphony Orchestra in the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
In the Summer of 2023, Stephan Fillare added another distinguished accomplishment to his repertoire by serving as the Assistant Conductor at the International Summer Opera Festival of Morelia. During this engagement, he played a crucial role in supporting Maestro Jorge Parodi in a captivating production of Puccini's timeless masterpiece, La Bohème. This experience further enriched Stephan's diverse and extensive portfolio, showcasing his expertise and passion for the world of opera.
Moreover, Stephan demonstrated his commitment to music education and community engagement by serving as the guest conductor for the 2024 Nassau Music Educator Association's Division 5 String Orchestra in Long Island, NY. This role underscored his dedication to fostering musical excellence and connecting with local music communities.
Looking ahead to March, Stephan Fillare is set to add another noteworthy chapter to his career by assisting Maestro Vinay Parameswaran in the College-Conservatory of Music's production of Janacek's The Cunning Little Vixen. This upcoming collaboration reflects Stephan's continued commitment to contributing his expertise to diverse musical endeavors and further establishes his role as a valued participant in the vibrant musical community at CCM. His involvement in this production underscores his dedication to the exploration and performance of a wide range of musical works.
In July, Stephan Fillare is slated to join the Berlin Opera Academy as an Assistant Conductor, where he will play a crucial role in a production of Mozart's Le Nozze Di Figaro. This upcoming international engagement further solidifies Stephan's standing in the world of opera, providing him with an opportunity to collaborate with talented artists on a global stage.
Beyond the podium, Stephan showcased his musical prowess in principal roles, including Concertmaster positions with New Amsterdam Opera, Manhattan Opera Studio, New York Concert Opera, Litha Symphony, and more. As Principal Second Violin, he lent his talents to ensembles such as Garden State Philharmonic, Bronx Opera, and Regina Opera.
Dedicated to community engagement, Stephan actively collaborates with local communities and educators. During the pandemic, he played a pivotal role in the New Haven Symphony Orchestra's online "Listening Club," maintaining connections with the New Haven community while engaging in music discussions with Music Director Alasdair Neale and Pops Conductor Chelsea Tipton II. Stephan takes pride in participating in talks with students about the role of a conductor in an orchestra and the journey of becoming a professional musician. His commitment extends to the Young People’s Concerts, where he introduces young audiences to the symphony orchestra and embarks on musical journeys covering diverse topics.
Stephan Fillare earned his Master of Arts in Instrumental Conducting from the Aaron Copland School of Music in 2014, studying under Maurice Peress. His conducting studies also include mentorship under Anthony Hose. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from Stetson University, where he studied violin under the guidance of Routa Kroumovitch-Gomez.
