Douglas Kinney Frost

Douglas Kinney Frost is an Associate Professor of Practice in Conducting and Opera and Principal Conductor of the Butler Opera Center at the University of Texas at Austin’s Butler School of Music. He has conducted leading orchestras and opera companies globally, including LA Opera, Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, and Teatro dell’Opera di Roma. His work emphasizes contemporary music, with notable premieres like Clarice Assad’s Baião ‘N Blues (2023) and Josiah Garza’s MARIA. He advocates for emerging artists through mentorship, podcasts (Amped Up Opera), and innovative outreach. Frost’s 2015 recording of David Lang’s the difficulty of crossing a field earned critical acclaim, including a Critic’s Choice acknowledgment from Opera News.

His career spans over two decades, featuring collaborations with artists like Greer Grimsley and conductors such as James Conlon. He previously served as Artistic and Music Director of Syracuse Opera, praised for creative programming and audience engagement. Frost’s pedagogical focus includes private studios for emerging conductors and opera coaches at UT Austin.

Notable works include conducting Britten operas (e.g., The Turn of the Screw, Billy Budd) and contemporary operas like David Lang’s the difficulty of crossing a field. His 2023-24 season featured the world premiere of DOWNWIND, addressing the Trinity nuclear testing legacy. Frost’s media initiatives and educational outreach underscore his commitment to advancing classical music’s accessibility and relevance.