Internationally acclaimed for performances of ‘great authority’ and ‘heartfelt expression’, Sebastian Grand is a dynamic and highly sought-after musical leader who maintains an extensive schedule of engagements both in the US and Europe.
Mr. Grand holds conducting positions with numerous orchestras on the East Coast. He is entering his fourth season as Music Director of the Delaware County Symphony in Pennsylvania, and his second as Music Director of the McLean Symphony in Northern Virginia. Sebastian has served as Assistant Conductor of the Bucks County Symphony since 2017, and is on the conducting staff for the Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey, where he will lead three subscription concerts during the 2024-25 season. Sebastian is a regular guest conductor with the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, with future engagements booked through 2025.
Prior to emigrating to the US, Sebastian held the position of Music Director with the Guernsey Sinfonietta for eight years. He participated in several international conducting competitions, most notably as a finalist in the first Erich Bergel Conducting Competition, and studied on the Orkney Conducting Course and at the International Musicians Academy. He has worked with an extensive portfolio of ensembles, including the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Trondheim Soloists, Kew Sinfonia, Ealing Symphony, Orchestra of the Swan, Odyssey Symphony Orchestra, University of Manchester String Orchestra, and the Orchestra Society of Philadelphia.
A first-class graduate of the Joint Course between the University of Manchester and the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), Sebastian received a Master’s with distinction from the Royal Academy of Music in London. Notable awards include three Hargreaves Prizes and the Procter-Gregg Prize at Manchester University, the Clifton Helliwell Memorial Prize at the Royal Northern College of Music, and the Dorothy Bryant Award at the Royal Academy of Music. Sebastian also works as a concert pianist, and has performed as concerto soloist in both North America and Europe. He has performed at venues including Carnegie Hall, Bridgewater Hall and the Barbican Centre.
Passionate about music education, Sebastian was appointed Music Director of the Youth Orchestra of Bucks County in 2024. He directs the Grand School of Music, overseeing instrumental tuition for over 200 students, and has worked as a conductor for the Bucks County Music Educators’ Association (BCMEA) and Pennsylvania Music Educator’s Association (PMEA). Sebastian has served as a coach and accompanist for the Philadelphia International Music Festival, and held adjunct faculty positions at Lafayette College and George School.
