You’ve worked with the Tucson Symphony for several seasons and built a strong connection with our musicians and audiences. What has made Tucson such a meaningful place for you?
There’s something truly special about Tucson. It’s a city rich in art, history and culture, with a strong sense of identity and pride in who it is. On top of that, the orchestra plays at an incredibly high level. The musicians are deeply engaged, generous collaborators, and they make every experience on the podium rewarding.
Pops concerts are all about energy, connection, and variety. What do you think makes Pops performances with the Tucson Symphony so special?
The musicians bring the same energy and commitment to Pops programs that they bring to the classical repertoire. They are incredibly versatile—able to move seamlessly across genres. That level of artistry elevates the entire experience.
You’ve led Pops programs across the country and already spent time on the podium in Tucson. What excites you most about stepping into this new role with the Tucson Symphony?
One of the special things about the Tucson Symphony is its deep and growing connection to the community. I love that the orchestra is community-centered, and I’m excited to explore how we can continue building on that. How can we incorporate Tucson-based artists, history, and culture into our Pops programming, while also bringing exceptional guest artists to the community? Showing the world what makes Tucson and the Tucson Symphony so special is incredibly exciting to me.
Your background in Broadway, including your long tenure with Wicked, brings a unique sensibility to Pops concerts. How does that experience shape the way you approach programs and work with an orchestra?
My background in musical theatre means I approach concerts with a theatrical sensibility. I’m always thinking about pacing, impact, and storytelling. I love building programs that have a clear arc and that leave the audience feeling like they’ve experienced something cohesive and intentional.
One of your first official appearances in this new role are the upcoming performances with Pink Martini! What can audiences expect from these performances, and why is this an experience they won’t want to miss?
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Pink Martini many times, most recently with their hometown orchestra, the Oregon Symphony. They never disappoint. Their concerts feel like a celebration of everything that’s good in the world—something we could all use right now. By the end of the evening, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled around the globe, and you’ll leave the hall feeling refreshed, energized, and uplifted.
Looking ahead, what’s your vision for Pops programming in Tucson, for longtime symphony patrons and for audiences discovering the orchestra for the first time?
My vision for the TSO is simple. Popular programming where there’s something for everyone, and where audiences trust that anything we present will be of the highest quality. You might open the season brochure and immediately circle three concerts—but you’ll feel confident buying a ticket to that fourth one, even if it’s unfamiliar, because you trust the people and the vision behind it.
How do you hope audiences feel when they leave a Tucson Symphony Pops concert?
I hope they leave feeling that deep sense of, “I’m so glad I was there to share in that experience,” or, “I was having a tough time, and that completely changed the trajectory of my day.” Great experiences create lasting memories, and that’s the business we’re in—bringing people together for moments that stay with them long after the final note.
What’s something about leading a Pops concert that might surprise audiences who only see the performance from their seats?
People might be surprised by how much time and care goes into planning a concert compared to the relatively short rehearsal and performance period. The process can take months—or even years—from initial ideas to the final performance. When we finally step onstage, it’s the culmination of a long journey, which makes seeing and hearing it come to life in front of an audience especially thrilling.