Biography

Jason C. Tramm is quickly becoming recognized as one of the most dynamic young conductors on the podium today. Maestro Tramm's artistic center is his home state of New Jersey, where he is active throughout state. In a recent feature article in the Star Ledger, Bradley Bamberger noted that "...it would seem that Jason Tramm is out to create the position of state music director... as he leads opera, choral and orchestral concerts from Sussex County, Morris County, to Ocean Grove." This commitment to bringing the best of the arts to New Jersey has been his mission since the beginning of his professional career.

Maestro Tramm was named the second Music Director of the New Jersey State Opera in 2008, succeeding his principal mentor, Alfredo Silipigni. The 42 year old company has presented many of the finest artists in the world such as; Placido Domingo, Jerome Hines, Franco Corelli, Samuel Ramey and countless others. Mr. Tramm's triumphant debut with the company featured the the NJ State Opera Orchestra, newly auditioned chorus, and an international roster opera stars, including Metropolitan Opera standout Vladimir Galouzine in the historic 6500 seat Great Auditorium of Ocean Grove. According to one critic "The performance was as pleasurable as the sea breeze blowing through the hall... The talented Tramm continues to impress." In his second season at the helm, the company will present Destination Opera in September of 2009, which will feature Verdi's Requiem and a fully staged La Serva Padrona. The company will also present the Newark debut of Gerschwin's Porgy and Bess, with an internationally acclaimed cast, in May of 2010 in historic Symphony Hall.

In addition to his work in opera, Dr. Tramm also holds the following posts; Music Director in Residence of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association. Here he leads one of the most significant summer music programs on the east coast, including the historic Choir Festival (a beloved New Jersey tradition, annually drawing over 6000 singers and audience members), choral masterworks, orchestral programs, and weekly services with the 150 voice Auditorium Choir. This past season, two of Dr. Tramm's major concerts with organ virtuoso, Gordon Turk, were broadcast from the Great Auditorium on National Public Radio, an organ concerto program with the Rittenhouse Orchestra on National Public Radio and a concert with the Philadelphia Brass Ensemble. Dr. Tramm is also the Music Director of Coro Lirico and the founder/Artistic Director of the Summit Music Festival, ensembles that have consistantly received outstanding praise from both audiences and critics alike.

Dr. Tramm is frequently engaged as a guest conductor, having conducted performances in Italy, Romania, and the throughout the US. Upcoming performances this season include: Mozart's Requiem, Rossini's Stabat Mater, Verdi's Requiem, Pergolesi's La Serva Padrona, Gerschwin's Porgy and Bess, Verdi's Rigoletto, Saint Saens Symphony No. 3, and Verdi's Aida.

Education and working with young musicians have always been a central part of Dr. Tramm's career. Having taught on the music faculties of both Rutgers and Drew Universities, he has directed ensembles, both choral and orchestral, and taught courses in conducting. He is also actively sought as a clinician and regularly presents lectures. Dr. Tramm holds degrees in music from the Crane School, the Hartt School, and a DMA in Conducting from Rutgers University, where he was the recipient of their prestigious Presidential Fellowship. In 2003, he joined the ranks of Metropolitan Opera Stars Renee Flemming and Stephanie Blythe in being honored with the Rising Star Award from the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association. He resides in Berkeley Heights with his wife, Angel and their four children.