John Varineau
As associate conductor of the Grand Rapids Symphony, John Varineau conducts the orchestra on all of its concert series, including the Richard and Helen DeVos Classical Series, Fox Motors Pops Series, the SymphonicBoom Series, Erika’s Deli Bistro Market Rising Stars Series, DTE Energy Foundation Family Series, Lollipop Concerts sponsored by Target Stores and the Chase Picnic Pops. He also conducts a variety of educational and outreach concerts throughout the area. Committed to nurturing the next generation of classical music lovers, he brings an infectious enthusiasm to students throughout West Michigan.
Mr. Varineau is a frequent visitor to area schools, and the 2008-2009 Season marks his 22nd year as the conductor of the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony and Classical Orchestra. He has been a visiting orchestra conductor both at Calvin College and Western Michigan University. Last season he was a guest conductor for the Traverse City Symphony.
Mr. Varineau also appears in a variety of summer music programs in the region and plays in the chamber music group, Montage. In 2003, he appeared twice as a guest conductor with the Arkansas Symphony. Additionally, he conducts the Grand Rapids Symphony for performances by the Grand Rapids Ballet Company. Mr. Varineau is a clarinetist and teaches clarinet at Calvin College, Cornerstone University and Grand Rapids Community College. Mr. Varineau attended Michigan State University, the University of Wyoming and Yale School of Music for his clarinet training. He has made three recordings with the Grand Rapids Symphony and three with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. This is his 24th season with the Grand Rapids Symphony. He and his wife, Gwen, have an 12-year-old daughter, Jade, and a ten-year-old son, Justin.
Send an email to John Varineau