Canadian conductor Jean-Claude Picard is widely regarded as a communicative and engaging conductor by peers, audiences, and critics alike, known for the collaborative and inclusive rapport he establishes with his fellow musicians.

A highly committed performer, Jean-Claude’s artistic integrity has led him to work closely with two internationally acclaimed Scottish organisations: the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the Scottish Ballet, where he served as Associate Conductor and Chief Conductor respectively.

With the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Jean-Claude’s tenure was defined by the quality of the relationship he built with the musicians of the orchestra and the high standard of his work as a conductor. He conducted a wide-range of events, from subscription concerts to high-profile performances that reached a wide audience in the United Kingdom. Following a subscription concert at the helm of the RSNO, The Herald wrote:

“What a stonker of a concert the RSNO and Jean-Claude Picard turned out on Saturday. It took me back to square one; right back to where I started with my consuming passion for live music. You know something? On the rare occasions when you get a conductor and an orchestra locked in unity with a fabulous programme, and everybody delivering the goods at white heat, there is no sensation on God’s, or anyone else’s, earth quite like it. The whole experience was a life force.”

As Chief Conductor of Scotland’s national dance Company, Scottish Ballet, Jean-Claude has closely collaborated with the organization for six years. His successful implementation of a new orchestral sound and technique raised the standard of the orchestra significantly. Additionally, his dedication to fully supporting the dancers resulted in a high degree of precision between music and dance during performances. These achievements were recognized by the Company, peers, critics, and audiences for its excellence, positively contributing to the artistic standards of the organization and making a constructive impact within the Scottish artistic landscape and beyond. Following a performance of “The Scandal at Mayerling”, the Edinburgh Guide wrote:

“Every single step, especially en pointe is intricately placed in perfect precision to each note of the lush, lyrical score by Franz Liszt. Jean-Claude Picard conducts the superb Scottish Ballet Orchestra with vivacious tempo and flowing fluidity.”

Widely recognized as a high-class accompanist, Jean-Claude consistently receives kudos for his natural ability to provide thorough support to instrumental soloists and singers. He has collaborated with distinguished artists such as Nicola Benedetti, Xavier de Maistre, Vilde Frang, Paul Merkelo, Nicky Spence, André Laplante, Katherine Bryan, Jacques Zoon, and Boris Giltburg, among others.

In his native Canada, Jean-Claude served as Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Orchestre symphonique de Trois-Rivières. Additionally, he guest conducts orchestras such as the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre symphonique de Québec, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, National Arts Center Orchestra, Victoria Symphony, Symphony Nova Scotia, Calgary Opera, I Musici, and the Montreal Bach Festival Orchestra. Jean-Claude is currently a finalist for the Music Director position at the Cape Symphony (USA).

Appointed to his role with the Orchestre symphonique de Trois-Rivières on the eve of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jean-Claude demonstrated unwavering dedication and commitment. Despite the unprecedented challenges caused by the pandemic, he diligently worked to ensure the security and stability of the orchestra’s musicians and the Trois-Rivières community by maintaining regular seasons. As a result, coupled with the high artistic value of the concerts presented by the OSTR during the 2020-2021 season under Jean-Claude’s direction, the organization earned a nomination for an Opus Prize. Jean-Claude also contributed significantly to the artistic level of the organization through high-quality programming, acclaimed outreach activities, and the promotion of music by Canadian composers. He inaugurated the position of Composer in Residence and established a yearly National Call for Scores. Additionally, he gave a voice to all orchestra musicians through the inauguration of artistic committees. In September 2021, Jean-Claude stepped down from his role but continued his collaboration with the musicians of the orchestra as Principal Guest Conductor until 2023.

Following Mr. Picard’s inaugural concert at the podium of the Orchestre symphonique de Trois-Rivières, Le Nouvelliste wrote:

“You never get a second chance to make a good first impression and Maestro Jean-Claude Picard has magnificently seized his by undoubtedly conquering the Trois-Rivières public. The audience gave a heartfelt standing ovation at the end of each of the two parts of this exciting concert, which marked Picard’s arrival at the helm of a vibrant and dashing OSTR in spectacular fashion.”