Richard Bradshaw

Conductor Richard Bradshaw is the first musician to lead the Canadian Opera Company (COC) since the 1950s. As general director of the COC, his greatest challenge has been trying to build a new opera house for the company. In his 11 years with the COC, he has conducted more than 30 operas.

Alongside traditional operatic fare, he has also introduced cutting edge COC productions such as Bluebeard’s Castle/Erwartung, Salome, Mario and the Magician, Jenufa and Oedipus Rex with Symphony Psalms, and helped to forge a strong artistic identity for the company.

In June 2000, the French government conferred the distinguished honour of Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters on Bradshaw.

Born in England, he received an English degree from London University.  Bradshaw first came to the COC as guest conductor in 1988, and served as the chief conductor and head of music and artistic director before being named general director in 1998.