Staff

Hailed as "one of the most interesting and accomplished conductors of his generation," Julien Benichou is known for his inspiring musicality and infectious energy. He currently serves as Music Director for the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra and was recently appointed Principal Conductor of the Washington Opera Society. Benichou also leads the Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Southern Maryland Youth Symphony Orchestra. His recent appearances include debuts with the New York City Ballet in Balanchine's The Nutcracker and a return to Carnegie Hall featuring Robert Redford and Vice-President Al Gore. During his twelve seasons with the Mid-Atlantic Symphony, Benichou has elevated the orchestra's profile, collaborating with renowned artists including Stefan Jackiw, Leon Fleisher, and Brandie Sutton. As Washington Opera Society's principal conductor, he has led productions of La Cenerentola at the French Embassy and L'elisir d'amore at the Colombian Ambassador's Residence. This June, he will conduct Carmen featuring Jonathan Tetelman as Don José.

EXecutive director

Kristin Sampson

Praised by the New York Times for her "bright, sizable and expressive voice," Mexican-born American soprano Kristin Sampson has enjoyed a distinguished international career. Her recent engagements include debuts with the Kauno Filharmonija in Lithuania under Maestro Constantine Orbelian, Opera Grand Rapids as Liù in Turandot, and the Washington Opera Society as Marguerite in Faust and Musetta in La bohème. She has been featured at the Phoenicia International Festival of the Voice, New York City Opera concerts, and the Festival of Nature at Lake Tizsa in Hungary. Ms. Sampson has performed as Mimì in La bohème with MidAtlantic Opera, Minnie in La fanciulla del West with New York City Opera and across Italian theaters, and Tosca at Carnegie Hall and Teatro Puccini. A two-time Olga Forrai Foundation grant recipient, she has appeared with Santa Fe Opera, Opera Orchestra of New York, Opera Carolina, and internationally with companies in Hong Kong, Hungary, Chile, and Italy.

Artistic Administrator

Adam Cioffari

Upcoming bio.

Founder and Executive Director Emeritus

&

Director of DevelopmenT

Michael J. Reilly

Founder and Founder and director emeritus of WOS, Michael J. Reilly brings 30 years of arts management experience to this gem of a boutique opera company, having also founded and directed the critically-acclaimed Opera Camerata Washington. Mr. Reilly earned his degree in technology and arts management from American University. His diverse career includes work as a licensed stock broker with Quantum Financial Advisors, technology roles in the Federal Government, business manager for Americas magazine at the Organization of American States, and fundraising at Washington National Opera. Mr. Reilly divides his time between Washington and his home in Acapulco, Mexico. His interests include choral singing, spending time with his four grandchildren, gardening, gourmet cooking, piano, and opera. He maintains a strong commitment to immigration and poverty issues affecting the developing world and is semi-fluent in Spanish.

IN MEMORIAM

Associate Artistic Director: Scott Beard PhD.

In honor of Dr. Beard, whose invaluable contributions benefited the Washington Opera Society from its inception until his untimely passing, we maintain his biography on this page so that all may see a brief summary of what he accomplished during his lifetime. R.I.P. Scott Beard brought over twenty years of experience in higher education to his roles in music and administration. As Provost of Shepherd University, he oversaw the music department, graduate programs, and all facets of accreditation. Named 2006 West Virginia Music Teacher of the Year and runner-up for West Virginia Professor of the Year in 2009, Dr. Beard's students won prizes in competitions worldwide and continued their studies at prestigious conservatories. His performance career as a soloist and chamber musician spanned the United States and seven countries, with appearances at Weill Recital Hall, the Tenri Cultural Institute, and numerous embassies. His concerts were celebrated for their poetry, passion, and innovative programming. A dedicated member of Music Teachers National Association, Dr. Beard published extensively, including four volumes of keyboard anthologies with Alfred Publishing.