Benjamin Manis

American conductor Benjamin Manis is quickly making a name for himself on the podiums of America’s major opera houses and concert halls. He made his debut at San Francisco Opera in 2024 with Carmen, resulting in an immediate re-invitation for Barber of Seville in 2026.

Ben got his start in opera as Resident Conductor of Houston Grand Opera (HGO) from 2019-2022 and has maintained close ties with HGO ever since, including returning to conduct Carlisle Floyd’s Of Mice and Men in spring 2026. Previous titles conducted at HGO include Tosca, Carmen, and Romeo et Juliette.

Ben is a four-time winner of the Solti Foundation US Career Assistance Award in 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2024. He lives in Chicago with his wife, Emily, their son, Avery, and dog, Banjo.