British conductor Finnegan Downie Dear has established an international presence through his work across both symphonic and operatic repertoire, developing close relationships with leading orchestras and opera houses throughout the world. These include the Royal Ballet and Opera, Opéra national de Paris, the Berlin State Opera, the Semperoper Dresden and Opera Australia.

Downie Dear is Artistic Director of Shadwell Opera — a London-based company now committed to commissioning the most exciting young composers in the UK to create their first major works for the stage. Last autumn, the company gave the world premiere staging of its first full-length commission - The Devil’s Den by Isabella Gellis - in partnership with Opera North. Their next full length commission will be premiered in 2027.

Born in London, Downie Dear graduated with distinction in musicology from the University of Cambridge and in piano from the Royal Academy of Music. He came to international attention in 2020 when he was awarded First Prize at the International Mahler Competition of the Bamberger Symphoniker.