Dean Anderson’s performances are described as “charismatic” and “energetic” by audiences and orchestral players under his direction. He has actively engaged communities near and far with his passion for music. Recently completing his 12th season as the Music Director and Artistic Director for the Dana Point Symphony, he continually strives to champion a diverse blend of repertoire – ranging from the beloved works of Beethoven and Brahms, to newly commissioned works by local and international composers. His international engagements include concerts with professional orchestras in Italy, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Vietnam. He has served as cover conductor for the San Diego Symphony and has performed with members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.. In addition, he has worked with such artists as Cho-Liang Lin, Andres Cardenes, Yizhak Schotten, Smokey Robinson, Manhattan Transfer, John Tesh, Lincoln Mayorga, Arlo Guthrie, and Dick Dale.
A versatile and collaborative conductor, Mr. Anderson’s performances include major ballet works such as the Nutcracker, Peter and the Wolf, and La Cigale with ballet companies such as the Anaheim Ballet, Nouveau Chamber Ballet, and the Montage Dance Theater. He has also conducted numerous operas such as Die Zauberflote, Gianni Schicchi, Pirates of Penzance, Mikado, Il Segreto di Susanna, Hansel and Gretel, I Due Figaro, Daron Hagen’s Little Nemo in Slumberland and many more. One of the highlights of his career was his Walt Disney Hall debut performance of Marcos Galvany’s O My Son. He was the first American citizen to conduct the Ho Chi Minh City Ballet Orchestra. He also led the Southern California Chamber Ensemble performance of traditional chinese and japanese music for pipa and erhu with Tu Shan Xiang and George Gao in Nagoya, Japan.