About
“We found his (Thomas’) writing so compelling and convincing, generating so much tension but also the space to reflect of his important environmental message about the disappearance of coral reefs.”
Solent Music Festival
“…but above all, the sonority of the training and the extraordinary ‘verve’ of the conductor (Kornel Thomas) shone, which gave the reading of the pieces a rare stylistic elegance of excess sound… a concert destined to remain engraved in memory…”
Mauro Bardelli, Liberta
“Kornel Thomas led the small orchestra of the Hungarian State Opera, which was placed on the stage, with an accomplished and fresh sound. Although not a period instrument ensemble, the musicians demonstrated a keen sense for the ornate ornamentation of French baroque music.”
T. Kliche, Das Opernglas
“The incidental music was performed by the ensemble of the Opera House under the direction of Kornel Thomas. I have to note right away, at a brilliant standard, due to the great amplification and more or less historically informed orchestration…”
M. Csabai, Szinhaz.net
“…the conductor is to be commended for being able to put together the performance despite the extremely unusual arrangement of the large space and orchestra..”
K. Kondor, Opera-Világ
Kornel Thomas is an award-winning conductor and composer. He won the 4th Lawson-May Award for composition at the Solent Music Festival, the 2024 International Clarinet Association New Music Composition Competition Solo Category award2nd Prize in composition at the 2023 5th Zodiac International Music Competition, 2nd Prize at the 2022 Bartok World Competition in Composition, a prize at the 2020 MUPA Composers Competition Chamber Orchestra Category and a prize in the Chamber Music Category, 2nd Prize and two special prizes at the 2018 Opera Nice Conducting Competition and 3rd Prize at the 2016 Atlantic Coast Conductors Competition.
In 2021, he made his debut with the Hungarian State Opera and Ballet conducting Heggie’s Dead Man Walking, Gluck’s Don Juan, and Lully’s Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme. His guest conducting has brought him to many professional ensembles such as Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra, Dohnányi Orchestra Budafok, Győr Philharmonic Orchestra, MAV Symphony Orchestra, Miskolc Symphony Orchestra, Zugló Philharmonic, Alba Regia Symphony Orchestra, Nice Philharmonic Orchestra, Argovia Philharmonic, North Czech Philharmonic Orchestra Teplice, Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Vienna Chamber Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra. Since 2019, Thomas works with the Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra on a regular basis. He gave his debut with the orchestra at the Zoltan Kocsis Memorial Concert in November of 2019. Thomas was assistant conductor of Savaria Symphony Orchestra from 2017-2020 and was selected as finalist for the music director position from 2020-2021. Previously, he held assistant conductor positions at the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra, Lamont Symphony Orchestra, and St. Stephen King Youth Orchestra. He is a strong advocate for contemporary music and was the Music Director of Nebula Ensemble from 2014-2018. During his time with the ensemble, he conducted over fifty world premieres.
Composing is vital to Thomas’ livelihood. By incorporating a diverse range of musical genres, his aim is to connect with a wide spectrum of music enthusiasts, encompassing various tastes and preferences. Many of his artistic creations delve into the intricate realm of mental health, exploring the nuances and complexities of the human mind. Through his compositions, he sheds light on the emotional struggles, challenges, and triumphs that individuals experience in their mental well-being. Furthermore, in his most recent endeavors, he has taken a bold step towards addressing the pressing issue of climate change. Recognizing the urgent need for environmental consciousness and sustainable practices, he channels his creativity to raise awareness and provoke thought on this global concern. Through his music, he intertwines powerful messages, evoking a sense of responsibility and inspiring listeners to contemplate their roles in preserving and protecting the planet.
Recognizing the profound significance of music education in the lives of children, Thomas served as Conductor and Teaching Artist at El Sistema Colorado, a program catering to students from challenging socioeconomic backgrounds, from 2013 through 2016. Throughout his tenure, he witnessed remarkable growth within the program. By imparting knowledge, fostering creativity, and cultivating a sense of community, he empowered these young individuals to transcend their circumstances and seize opportunities they may not have previously envisioned. By empowering them through music, he helped unlock their inner potential, enrich their lives, and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
Thomas studied conducting at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. His mentors in conducting include Mark Stringer, Michael Jinbo, Sian Edwards, Douglas Bostock, Peter Eotvos, and Daniel Harding, and in composing, László Draskóczy.
Press
Interviews
Kornél Thomas: I’m going to use Bernstein’s Method - arthereartnow.com
Thomas Kornél: I’m going to use Bernstein’s Method (Hungarian) - librarius.hu
A Good Orchestra is Multi-dimensional (Hungarian) - Zene-kar.hu
His Coat-of-Arms: Contemporary World Premiers and Baroque (Hungarian) - bdz.hu/hangolo
Reviews
Le Bourgeois gentilhomme (German) - Das Opernglas
Restart (Hungarian) - operavilag.net
Le Bourgeois Oligarch (Hungarian) - szinhaz.net
Apprentice Triumph at the Tenor Gala (Hungarian) - Savaria Forum
A Journey Through Time Alongside the Great Hungarian Composers (Italian) - liberta
Savaria Symphony Orchestra Captivates Italy (Hungarian) - Vaol.hu
In Itself a Miracle, More than 1100 People Listened to Mozart’s Requiem in Szombathely (Hungarian) - Nyugat.hu
