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Pianist/conductor Brian Gilling has distinguished himself as an exceptionally versatile musician and collaborator. Performing across North America and Europe, he has garnered acclaim for both his adept leadership and engaging performances of orchestral music, art song, opera, and chamber music. He has received praise for his “sure-handed leadership” (New York Times) and his “thorough musicianship” (PGH in the Round).

In recent seasons, Brian has music directed productions of La Rondine with Undercroft Opera, and “Pergolesi & Vivaldi” with LoftOpera. Additionally, he has worked with Against the Grain Theatre, Opera Colorado, Opera Saratoga, and Berkshire Opera Festival. He has assisted on productions of Otello, Don Giovanni, Albert Herring, La Traviata, Hansel and Gretel, and many more. Brian was previously the assistant conductor with the Washington Heights Chamber Orchestra, and currently music directs the Millenium Symphony Orchestra at CMU School of Music. He has also recently worked with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra, and the Pittsburgh Philharmonic.

A passionate advocate for new music, Brian has worked extensively with living composers and presented numerous premieres both at the piano and on the podium. In recent seasons, he has workshopped and premiered operas by Nicole Lizee, Paola Prestini, Michelle DiBucci, and more. He serves as the artistic director and pianist for NAT 28 — a new music group based in Pittsburgh that champions local composers and performs extensively across southwestern Pennsylvania.

Brian received degrees from the Carnegie Mellon University School of Music. His principal teachers include Sergey Schepkin, Daniel Curtis, and Brian Garman.