The Maestro Behind the Magic: Conrad Askland’s Journey with Cirque du Soleil

If you’re a fan of Cirque du Soleil, you’ve likely heard the work of this remarkable man we’re going to cover today. Conrad Askland is currently the bandleader for Cirque du Soleil’s touring “Crystal” production and has filled the same role for two previous productions by the global theater icon.

However, Conrad didn’t start with Cirque du Soleil, and his work has likely crossed your ears many times in the past.

The Early Life of Conrad Askland and Finding a Passion for Music

Conrad grew up in Seattle, WA and studied as a young boy soprano with the Northwest Boychoir. This early classical training led to performances with Seattle Opera that laid a foundation of intense artistic focus and music performance. His music studies soon included private lessons in piano, French horn, bass guitar and music composition which rounded out his early music education to include classical, jazz and pop music.

Work Outside of Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil is one of the top stages in the theater world, and it will be at the top of any achievement list a musician or performer can make. Conrad not only has worked as bandleader on the Cirque du Soleil shows Zaia, Varekai and Crystal, but he also has a massive catalog of published music that is used for film and television. His music is also used widely on social media so you’ve probably heard his music but didn’t know it was him.

Conrad Askland Cirque du Soleil

Out of the hundreds of productions Conrad has worked on, just a handful of notable mentions are the original musicals Witches, Pan, the 2015 Romeo and Juliet, Pray the Gay Away®, Rock of Ages, Burn the Floor and many more that musical theater lovers are sure to have seen or heard of.

That doesn’t include the 100+ albums he’s released and the dozens he has slated to release throughout the next year, either.

Throughout all of these roles and personal pieces, Conrad has aimed to do more than just create pleasant music. He takes the audience through a story with ups and downs, dramatic hooks and thought-provoking endings, and of course, endorphin-stimulating notes that transport the audience to a fantastical realm rather than simply watching a show or listening to an album.

Keeping Up with Conrad Askland

As such an influential figure in the musical world, keeping up with Conrad’s work can keep you ahead of the curve and teach you something new.

Conrad currently has a biography on his website detailing his life and career, and he has a YouTube channel that highlights his work and lets him express himself in a more candid way.
Of course, the best way to experience what Conrad has brought to the world is to simply attend the productions he’s part of.

Conrad Askland