MUSICAL DIRECTOR

BURHAN GÜNER

Burhan Guner is a conductor known for his work with a diverse range of instrumental, choral, and theatrical ensembles. With an extensive repertoire of mainstream works, a fascination with uncovering lesser-known works, and a curiosity for new works, his innovative and dynamic programs appeal to players and audiences alike.  

Owing to his passion and facility for opera, Burhan has been a Hospitant at Komische Oper Berlin, and an assistant conductor at Opera Holland Park (UK). He has also been a regular collaborator with WAPPA on numerous opera productions, conducting many of WA’s up-and-coming singers. Burhan has also enjoyed a long association with West Australian Opera that has included Young Artist, Assistant conductor roles, and Chorus Master. In 2021 Burhan conducted WAO’s production of Barber of Seville. 

Alongside conducting, Burhan seeks to demystify music and enrich audience experience. In this sphere he has presented pre-concert talks, including for prominent performing arts groups such as the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, and the Australian String Quartet; created pastiche operas for children; written program notes for Symphony Australia; produced articles, reviews, and interviews for 24 Hours Magazine (now Limelight); and programmed a six-part series for ABC Classic FM.

Born in Perth of Dutch and Turkish parents, Burhan completed a Bachelor of Music (Hons) at the University of WA, and a Masters in Conducting at the University of Melbourne, studying with John Hopkins (OBE).