American conductor, Richard Zielinski, is known for his innovative programming and versatility as both an orchestral and choral conductor. Richard serves as Director of Choral Activities on the music faculty at the University of Oklahoma. A passionate and compelling communicator, with an extensive knowledge of classical and contemporary repertoire, he has premiered performances of Die Schöpfung and Carmina Burana choreographed for ballet as well as numerous stage productions for musical theater.
A champion of new music, Richard Zielinski has worked with numerous composers and regularly leads the choirs at OU and the Norman Philharmonic in performances of contemporary works from composers like Libby Larsen, John Mackey, and Michael Daugherty. His professional vocal ensemble, the Richard Zielinski Singers, has also recorded works by Norman Dello Joio, Libby Larsen, Stephen Paulus, Eleanor Daley, David Del Tredici, Alice Parker, and Eric Whitacre among others.
Richard Zielinski begins his seventh year as artistic director and conductor of the 40-year-old Classical Music Festival Eisenstädter Sommerakademie; and serves as Music Director and Artistic Director for the Norman Philharmonic. He has conducted extensively both in the United States and abroad including The Florida Orchestra, Tampa Bay Symphony Orchestra, Naples Philharmonic, Elgin Symphony, Danville Symphony Orchestra, and Poland’s Szczecin Philaharmonic Orchestra. He has also held several positions abroad including artistic director and conductor for Chor Akademicki Politechniki Szczecinskiej, In Terra Pax, and the International Festival of Choral Song in Poland.
Throughout his career, Richard Zielinski has devoted time to working with students and young artists. In addition to creating and leading outreach programs with the Norman Philharmonic, he also has worked with students at numerous music festivals in the United States and abroad. Zielinski also serves as Director of Music Ministries at McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church in Norman, Oklahoma.
