A desire to unify hearts and minds through the spirit and messages of music lies at the core of Garrett Keast’s work. Known for his ability to inspire and connect with musicians and audiences alike, the Berlin-based conductor is recognized for his musical depth across symphonic and operatic repertoire and for his leadership of the critically acclaimed orchestra, the Berlin Academy of American Music (BAAM).

Keast began his career as Associate Conductor of New York City Opera before launching an international career with engagements at the Paris Opera, Orchestre de Paris, Deutsche Oper Berlin, and NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester. He has since appeared at leading venues including Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie, Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, Brussel’s BOZAR, the Staatsoper Hamburg, and Seoul Arts Center, conducting orchestras such as the Copenhagen Philharmonic, Deutsches Sinfonie-Orchester Berlin, Orchestre National Capitole Toulouse, Philharmonique de Monte Carlo, and WDR Funkhausorchester. His recordings include Peter and the Wolf with the Konzerthaus Orchester Berlin and BAAM’s debut album Transatlantic, which received 5-star reviews from BBC Music, Fanfare, Limelight, and das Orchester.

The 2025–2026 season expands Keast’s international profile with his debut at the Norwegian National Opera conducting Bernstein’s Wonderful Town, and his return to the George Enescu Festival with BAAM in a program of Barber, Bernstein, Dorman, and Gershwin. BAAM also returns to the Konzerthaus Berlin with premieres by Billy Childs, Jonathan Dawe, and Missy Mazzoli. Other highlights include performances with the North Netherlands Symphony Orchestra featuring Marsalis’s Violin Concerto and Simon’s Four Black American Dances; a return to the Seoul Arts Center for Bernstein & Bruch; a new La Bayadère with Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo; and American programs with the orchestras of Cagliari and Puglia. In summer 2026, he leads the BAAM Composers Workshop in Berlin, continuing the success of last season’s inaugural program.