ROBERT ASHENS (music director & conductor) 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 of the West Coast Opera (Opera Oregon) and The Johann Strauss Society of America. On The Town marks the 22nd of his Shedd Theatricals as Music Director/Conductor. Ashens is past Artistic Director of Eugene Opera, Opera San Luis Obispo, and Anchorage Opera. The Maestro is a Master Coach for major opera singers worldwide, and he maintains an active studio in SF Bay Area. As a Pianist, he performs solo and chamber music principally in Oregon and California, as well as European venues. With a repertoire of over 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.