Ed Spanjaard (Haarlem, 1948) is a prominent conductor and pianist renowned for his versatility across various music genres, from classical to contemporary. His production of Wagner's Ring des Nibelungen with the Nederlandse Reisopera received international acclaim.

Spanjaard has collaborated with numerous orchestras and ensembles, like the Concertgebouworkest and Ensemble Intercontemporain. As chief conductor of the Nieuw Ensemble for more than thirty years he gave innumerable premieres building an impressive repertoire that includes operas by Puccini and Wagner, as well as many premieres of contemporary works. Spanjaard also conducted the wedding of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima. Recently he accompanied baritone Thomas Hampson, and has been recording works of Willem Pijper and Henriëtte Bosmans

In 2021, he was awarded the Royal Honorary Medal for Art and Science by King Willem-Alexander.