Embedded Files
Harvey Felder, Conductor
harveyfelderconductor@gmail.com
PART A
I a. EDUCATION – University
I b. EDUCATION—Professional Studies
II. CURRENT AFFILIATIONS
III a. EXPERIENCE—Conducting—Professional
III b. EXPERIENCE—Conducting—Professional Guest Appearances
III c. EXPERIENCE—Conducting—Academic & Teaching
III d. EXPERIENCE—Conducting—Festivals, Honors, & All-State Orchestras
PART B
IV. AWARDS and HONORS
V. PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
PART C
VI a. ARTISTIC COLLABORATIONS— "Classical"
VI b. ARTISTIC COLLABORATIONS—Multidisciplinary
VII. NEW MUSIC & COMMISSIONS
PART D
VIII. PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES
PART A
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I a. EDUCATION – University:
1982 Specialist in Music Degree
The University of Michigan*
1982 Master of Music
The University of Michigan
1977 Bachelor of Music
The University of Wisconsin-Madison
*Specialist Degree in Music allows for specialization in the area of the candidate's interest (conducting and music education). The requirements were met with an additional course of study beyond the Master of Music Degree. The degree has since been replaced.
I b. EDUCATION—Professional Studies:
1990 Affiliate Artist Conducting Program: Kurt Masur, Teacher and Mentor
1988 Festival at Sandpoint: Gunther Schuller
1987 American Symphony Orchestra League Workshop: Maurice Abravanel
1986 Tanglewood Festival Auditor: Gustav Meier, Seiji Ozawa,
Gennady Rozhdestvensky
1983 American Symphony Orchestra League’s Institute: Otto Werner-Mueller, Harold Farberman
1982-1995 Private Study: Elizabeth Green, Zdenek Macal, Gustav Meier,
Otto-Werner Mueller, H. Robert Reynolds, Max Rudolph, Michael Tilson Thomas, David Zinman
II. CURRENT AFFILIATIONS:
2015-Present SAINT GEORGE SINFONIA, Founder and Music Director/Conductor
· Founder and Music Director of a professional symphony orchestra located in the greater Philadelphia area
· Responsible for all artistic decisions, fund raising, and promotion
· The Sinfonia will perform throughout the northern and mid-Atlantic corridor
· The Sinfonia will encourage diversity among its ranks, composers presented, and communities in which it performs
2014-Present TACOMA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA*, Conductor Laureate
· After twenty seasons as Music Director of the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra I became the Conductor Laureate, beginning
with the 2014-2015 season.
· * Renamed “Symphony Tacoma”
2012-Present CONDUCTORS GUILD, Mentor
· Serve as a mentor/advisor to developing professional conductors
o Offer career development advice
o Offer ensemble development advice
o Offer repertoire selection advice
o Advice on designing ethnically and culturally diverse programs
o Advice on assistant/associate conductor challenges and pitfalls
o Advice on succinct and systematic score study
III a. EXPERIENCE—Conducting—Professional:
1994-2014: TACOMA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, Music Director and Conductor
· Successfully converted a community orchestra to a fully professional ensemble in 7 seasons
· Budget increased from $240,000 to over $1 million in 10 years
· Increased performances from 5 to 19 in 10 years, and introduced new educational series, chamber music series, outreach “Gateway” series at art museum, and various collaborative programs with other arts organizations, e.g., city’s ballet, opera, and theater companies
· Collaborated with noted guest artists such as Ida Kavafian, Jennifer Koh, Leon Bates, José Feghali, Olga Kern,
Pamela Frank, Janet Sung
· Created music education program to reach 80% of 5th graders in the county; awarded NEA grant for expansion based on its success
· Established a new pops series featuring such artists as Doc Severinsen, Chicago, Wynonna Judd, Maureen McGovern,
Steve Allen, Marvin Hamlisch, Ray Charles, Jennifer Holliday
· Led the development of artistic goals for orchestra’s strategic plan and oversaw implementation
· Acted as spokesperson for orchestra and participated in development and publicity efforts
· Became Conductor Laureate at the conclusion of my twentieth season in May of 2014
1998-2000: WISCONSIN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA, Interim Artistic Adviser
· Led all subscription concerts, providing artistic continuity during music director search
· Expanded ensembles repertoire and stylistic range through innovative programming
· Collaborated with noted guest artists such as Jaap Schroeder
1996-1999: ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, Regular Guest Staff Conductor
· Conducted special projects throughout three consecutive seasons
· Led subscription, outreach, young people’s, and family concerts designed to attract new audiences
· Conducted televised PBS Holiday Gospel concert featuring the Pointer Sisters
1991-1997: CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, Regular Guest Staff Conductor
· Conducted special projects throughout six consecutive seasons
· Led young people’s and family concerts designed to attract new audiences
· Conducted televised PBS Young Artist Competition Concert
1988-1995: MILWAUKEE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, Assistant Conductor
· Conducted 30 to 40 concerts per season, including education, family, pops, outreach and classical subscription programs
· Served as cover conductor for Music Director and guest conductors
· Acted as orchestra spokesperson in absence of Music Director
1994-1995: SAINT LOUIS SYMPHONY, Resident Conductor
· Served as Music Director for “In Unison” program designed to attract audience members from underserved communities
· Served as cover conductor for music director and guest conductors
· Led education, outreach, pops, run-out concerts and chamber orchestra series
· Served as Music Director of the St. Louis Youth Symphony
1990-1995: THE FOX VALLEY SYMPHONY (WI), Music Director and Conductor
· Provided artistic direction of 85 member per-service orchestra, including programming, selection of guest artists and orchestra personnel
· Led five subscription, two education and multiple outreach concerts per season
1987-1988: CONTEMPORARY CHAMBER ORCHESTRA OF PHILADELPHIA, Founder/Director
1984-1986: ANN ARBOR SUMMER SYMPHONY, Music Director and Conductor
· Provided artistic direction of 85-member community orchestra, including programming, selection of guest artists and orchestra personnel
1983-1984: ANN ARBOR SYMPHONY, Assistant Conductor
· Served as cover conductor for Music Director and guest conductors
· Acted as orchestra spokesperson in absence of Music Director
III b. EXPERIENCE—Conducting—Professional Guest Appearances:
2023 Weidner Philharmonic (WI)
2020 Memphis Symphony
2019 Memphis Symphony
2019 IRIS Orchestra (TN)
2017 Manhattan School of Music Symphony (NY)
2016 Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra (NY)
2016 Kamuela Philharmonic (HI)
2015 Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra (NY)
2015 Bargemusic (NY)
2014 Springfield Symphony (MA)
2014 Southwest Michigan Symphony
2012 Musicians of the Northwest Symphony, Microsoft Concert
2011 Bay Brass (CA)
2010, 2012 Chicago Sinfonietta
2009 Mikkeli City Orchestra of Finland (St. Michel Strings)
2009 San Antonio Symphony
2008 Wyoming Symphony
2008 Boise Philharmonic (Pops)
2006 Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (Holiday Pops)
2006 Quad City Symphony Orchestra, Iowa
2005 Wheeling Symphony (Pops)
2004, 1995 Osaka Telemann Chamber Orchestra
2002 Orquesta Sinfonica del Estados de Mexico
2002 Honolulu Symphony
2002 Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional de Costa Rica
2002 Delaware Symphony Orchestra
2001 Dayton Philharmonic
2000, 1999, 1992 New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (Pops)
2000 Santa Fe Symphony
1999, 1994, 1993 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (Pops, PBS Holiday Concert)
1998 Baton Rouge Symphony
1997 Grant Park Symphony (IL) (Pops)
1997 Madison Symphony
1997, 1996 Indianapolis Symphony
1991--1997 Chicago Symphony Orchestra (PBS Young Artist Showcase)
1992--1996 North Carolina Symphony
1995 Boulder Philharmonic
1995 Missouri Symphony Society
1995 New Japan Philharmonic
1995, 1994 Kansas City Philharmonic (Pops)
1995, 1993, 1992 National Symphony
1994 Rochester Philharmonic
1993 Pro Musica of Columbus
1993 Omaha Symphony (Pops)
1993, 1992 Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
1991 American Symphony Orchestra
III c. EXPERIENCE—Conducting—Academic & Teaching:
2024-2026 NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY, Interim Director/Conductor
· Lead and maintained University’s Chamber Orchestra during transition period
· Supervised graduate student assistant conductor
2018-2024 UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS, Professor of Music
· Director of Orchestral Activities
· Director of University Symphony Orchestra & Chamber Orchestra
· Teach graduate seminars in orchestral repertoire
· Teach BM/BA undergraduate conducting
· Teach/Advise MM and DMA graduate conductors
· Chair Various Search Committees
· Promoted to Full Professor, September 2019
2012-2018 UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT, Associate Professor of Music
· Awarded Tenure, May 2018
· Director of Orchestral Studies
· Director of University Symphony Orchestra
· Director undergraduate & graduate orchestral conducting program
· Director of Department chamber music program
· Teach graduate seminars in orchestral repertoire
· Teach undergraduate and graduate conductors
· Develop Department recruitment and outreach activities
2005-2008 WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY, Associate Professor of Music
· Director of Orchestral Studies
· Director of University Symphony Orchestra
· Director Collegium Musicum
· Taught undergraduate and graduate conducting
· Administered high school recruitment activities
1987-1990 JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY, Orchestral Instructor
· Directed Johns Hopkins University Symphony Orchestra
· Developed performance opportunities for Symphony
· Recruited and maintained orchestral personnel
1984-1988 HAVERFORD COLLEGE and BRYN MAWR COLLEGE, Instructor
· Conducted college orchestra and Faculty new music ensemble
· Taught undergraduate music theory
· Served as Music Department Chair (1986 -1988)
1985-1986 THE NEW SCHOOL OF MUSIC (Philadelphia), Artist in Residence.
· Conducted college conservatory orchestra: Multiple appearances
1982-1983 EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY, Adjunct Faculty
· Instructed and supervised Student Teachers
III d. EXPERIENCE—Conducting—Festivals, Honors, & All-State Orchestras:
2024 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District Honors Orchestra
2023 Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestra
2022 Tennessee All-West Honors String Orchestra
2017 Kansas Music Educators Association All-State Orchestra
2015 Connecticut Music Educators Association All-State Orchestra
2015 Connecticut Music Educators Northern Regional Honors Orchestra
2014 Fairfield County String Festival (CT) Honors Orchestra
2014 Connecticut Music Educators Eastern Regional Honors Orchestra
2013 Pacific Lutheran University (WA) Honors High School Orchestra
2009 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Honors High School Orchestra
2007 West Virginia All State Orchestra
2006 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District Honors Orchestra
2006 Tennessee Governor’s School Orchestra
2000 Wisconsin All-State Honors Orchestra
1996 University of New Hampshire Honors Orchestra
1995 Kenosha (WI) All City Orchestra Festival
1994 Wauwatosa (WI) All City String Orchestra Festival
1997 Massachusetts All-State Honors Orchestra
1993 Racine (WI) All City Orchestra Festival
1991 Milwaukee (WI) All City Music Festival Orchestra
PART B:
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IV. AWARDS and HONORS:
2019 Awarded rank of Full Professor, University of Memphis
2018 Awarded Tenure, University of Connecticut
2014 – 2018 Provost’s “Excellence in Teaching” award University of Connecticut
2014 Tacoma Office of the Mayor: "Harvey Felder Week”
2006 Arts Fund of Tacoma: “Outstanding Achievements in the Arts” Award
1996 North Shore United Educators: "Award of Excellence"
1995 University of Wisconsin-Madison: "Distinguished Alumni Award"
1995 Milwaukee School Board: "Outstanding Accomplishment Award"
1995 Milwaukee Office of the Mayor: Declaration of "Harvey Felder Day"
1995 Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors: "Citation of Excellence"
1995 Wisconsin State Assembly: "Citation of Excellence"
1994 Wisconsin Civic Music Association: "Distinguished Citizen Award"
1991 Milwaukee Times News: Recipient "Black Excellence Award"
1991 Sigma Alpha Iota: Elected "Friend of the Arts"
V. PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS:
Publications:
Felder, Harvey. “The Quest for Generational Diversity.” Symphony Magazine, Volume 64, Number 1 Winter 2013, 68 – 72
http://issuu.com/americanorchestras/docs/symphonyonline_winter_2013 (accessed June 2026)
Felder, Harvey. “Improving Young People's Concerts.” General Music Today, Volume 11, Number 2, 1998, p. 14 -17
https://doi.org/10.1177/104837139801100205 (accessed June 2026)
Presentations:
2026 Speech/Presentation: Invitation
“Listening and Life’s Lesson: Conducting and Listening”
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute,
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
2022 Speech/Presentation: Invitation
“The Privilege of Teaching Music: An Awesome Responsibility”
Tennessee Music Teachers Association Annual Conference.
Memphis, TN
2017 Speech/Presentation: Invitation
“Knowing the Score: A Path to True Artistic Leadership”
Kansas Music Educators Association Annual Conference.
Wichita, KS
2015 Speech/Presentation: Invitation
“The Joys and Perils of Staff Conducting”
31st Annual Conductors Guild National Conference.
Boston, MA
2013 Speech/Presentation: Invitation
“Generational Diversity: Through Hard Lessons Learned”
Texas Association of Symphony Orchestras Annual Conference.
College Station, TX
PART C
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VI a. ARTISTIC COLLABORATIONS— "Classical":
Joaquin Achucarro, piano
Andrew Armstrong, piano
Leon Bates, piano
Jeffrey Biegle, piano
Sarah Chang, violin
Stephanie Chase, violin
Russell Dagon, clarinet
José Feghali, piano
Claude Frank, piano
Pamela Frank, violin
Angelina Gadeliya, piano
Louis Hanzlik, trumpet
Solomiya Ivakhiv, violin
Ida Kavafian, violin
Jennifer Koh, violin
Alicia de Larrocha, piano
Isabelle Moretti, harp
Tia Murray, violin
Rod Nelman, baritone
Kenneth Overton, baritone
Christopher Parkening, guitar
Amit Peled, violoncello
Maxim Philippov, piano
Aviram Reichert, piano
Constance Rock, soprano
The Romeros, guitar
Eric Ruske, horn
Nathaniel Rosen, violoncello
Jeffrey Siegel, piano
Janet Sung, violin
Kelly Hall-Tompkins, violin
Ana Vidovic, harp
Irma Vallecillo, piano
Nebojsa Jovan Zivkovic, percussion
VI b. ARTISTIC COLLABORATIONS—Multi-disciplinary:
Aduonum, African Drums
Mida Alorwoyie, African Drums
All Atlanta Gospel Choir
Steve Allen, Piano
Bay Brass
Dallas Brass
Empire Brass
Ann Hampton Callaway
Ray Charles
Chicago
Judy Collins
J. C. High Eagle, Native Flute
Shukuko Fujita, Koto
Laura Fuentes y Calican
Fareed Haque, Flamenco Guitar
Marvin Hamlich
Jennifer Holiday
Qui Min Ji, Er-hu
Wynonna Judd
Ben E. King
Tang Liangxib, Pipa
Hal Linden
Earl MacDonald, Piano
Mariachi Cuatro Estrellas
Maureen McGovern
Kyoko Okamoto, Koto
Kenny Rodgers
Rich Ridenour, Piano
Doc Severinsen
Billy Taylor
Tsukasa Taiko Drums
VII. NEW MUSIC & COMMISSIONS:
Abels, Michael
Amundson, Steve
Baker, Renee
Banfield, William C.
Beall, John
Beckel, James
Berger, Mark
Bermel, Derek
Boatrite, Harold
Bonds, Margaret
Borchert, Gavin
Cacaippo, Curtis
Carreno, Teresa
Clearfield, Andrea
Crockett, Donald
Curtis, Matthew
Dallapiccola, Luigi
Daugherty, Michael
Davids, Brent Michaels
Diamond, David
Dietz, Christopher
Dixon, Damien
Downey, John
Duffy, John
Ellington, Duke
Eshima, Shinji
Francaix, Jean
Frank, Lena Gabriela
Fuchs, Kenneth
Gordon, Geoffrey
Hagen, Daron Aric
Hailstork, Aldophus
Hamer, Janice
Hawkinson, Scott R.
Koplow, Philip
Kramer, Timothy
Larson, Libby
Logan, Wendell
Merryman, Marjorie
Migon, Edmond
Mills, Amy
Mitchell Jr., Robert
Montgomery, Jessie
Mobberley, James
Nowakowski, Mark
Okoye, Nkeiru
Patrick, Joseph
Price, Florence
Raimi, Max
Reid, Clement
Rodriquez, Robert Xavier
Sandstron, Jan
Short, Gregory
Sierra, Roberto
Singlton, Alvin
Smith, Hale
Smith, Steve
Still, William Grant
Thome, Diane
Torke, Michael
Tower, Joan
Vehaalen, Marion
Walker, George
Wetzel, Thomas
Williams, Julius
Wilson, Mark Edwards
Wyre, John
Youtz, Gregory
Zare, Rodger
Zwilich, Ellen Taaffe
VIII. PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES:
Toni-Marie Montgomery, DMA
Emerita Professor and Dean
Bienen School of Music
Northwestern University
(847) 924-3728
Svend Rønning, DMA
Concertmaster, Tacoma Symphony Orchestra
Professor of Music
Pacific Lutheran University
Mary Baker Russell Music Center
12180 Park Ave. South
Tacoma, WA 98447
(253) 535-7605
Kenneth Fuchs, Ph. D.
Grammy Award Winning Composer
Professor of Music: Composition
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT 06269-1012
(860)-486-4711
Andrew C. Buelow
Former Executive Director
Tacoma Symphony Orchestra
Current Executive Director
West Michigan Symphony
360 W. Western Ave.
Suite 200 Muskegon, MI 49440
(231) 726-3231, Ext. 222
abuelow@westmichigansymphony.org
David Spencer, DMA
Professor of Trumpet
Brass and Percussion Coordinator
The University of Memphis
123 Music Building
3775 Central Ave
Memphis, TN 38152
901-678-2541
Janet Sung
Concert Artist, Violinist
Faculty, DePaul University
Artistic Director, Meadowmount School of Music
(917) 566-6474
Neil Kimel
Adjunct Faculty, DePaul University
Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra
Chicago Philharmonic
(646) 284-3441
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