A conductor rooted in tradition with an eye to the future, Juan Carlos Alarcon is making waves in the world of choral music. From his debut at the South Bend Civic Theater to his work with the University of Notre Dame ensembles, Alarcon's passionate artistry shines through in performances of both classical masterworks and contemporary scores.
Born in Mexico, Alarcon brings diversity to the podium, introducing audiences to new perspectives on time-honored repertoire as well as to the music of today's composers. Alarcon made his conducting musical theater debut in 2021 at the South Bend Civic Theater, conducting 11 performances of Matilda the Musical. He returned to the stage months later to conduct Disney’s Newsies and Something Rotten and then prepared the cast for three electrifying performances of West Side Story with the South Bend Symphony Orchestra. Alarcon’s baton has brought to life choral masterworks such as Mozart’s Missa Brevis, Ramirez’s Misa Criolla, Handel’s Messiah, Vivaldi’s Gloria, and the world premiere of the contemporary opera, An American Odyssey.