Eugene and San Francisco-based musician Robert Ashens, whose distinguished career as pianist and conductor has brought him to many world capitals, is Artistic Director / co-founder, West Coast Opera (Opera Oregon) and The Johann Strauss Society of America. Recently, he conducted the inaugural production, Lucia di Lammermore for Island City Opera (Alameda, CA) to great acclaim. In previous seasons with The Shedd Institute, he conducted 15 shows. This fall, he will again tour Vienna and region, and The Czech Republic, this time as Accompanist for INSPIRE and Carol Ann Manzi in concert; in December, he conducts The Nutcracker for San Juan Symphony in Colorado. He is past Artistic Director of Eugene Opera, Opera San Luis Obispo and Anchorage Opera. With a repertoire of nearly 120 operas and musical theater, he has conducted to great acclaim for regional houses in America and Europe and accompanies world luminaries in recital. The Maestro is a Eugene Emerald Valley Rotarian and is recognized in International Who's Who in Music and Who's Who in American Music.