Known for his adventurous musicality and captivating stage presence, Filipino-American conductor Ian Passmore has been hailed as “a rising young conductor” (Fanfare). He has led ensembles across the U.S. and abroad, including the Buffalo and Louisiana Philharmonics, Hanoi Philharmonic, and numerous symphonies throughout the Southeast. Formerly Associate Conductor of the Omaha Symphony, the first in its century-long history, he currently serves with the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra and Camerata, and appears nationwide in the acclaimed Starview Valley Symphony of Seasons tour. ORCMA is delighted to welcome him back to the Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra podium.

James Fellenbaum enjoys a versatile career as a conductor, equally at home with symphonic, pops, ballet, opera, choral-orchestral, and film-with-live-orchestra performances. He is in his eighth season as Music Director of the Brevard Philharmonic, where he leads Classical, Holiday, Pops, and educational concerts. Resident Conductor of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra since 2006, he has conducted a wide range of programs and also serves as Principal Guest Conductor of Bugs Bunny at the Symphony, appearing with orchestras worldwide including the San Francisco Symphony, Nashville Symphony, and Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. In addition, he directs orchestras at the University of Tennessee and serves as Music Director of the Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestra Association.

Cornelia Laemmli Orth is in her 19th season as Music Director of Symphony of the Mountains, where she has expanded programming to include innovative concert series and led the orchestra on its historic European tour with the Kruger Brothers. A passionate advocate for contemporary music and community outreach, she founded Paths to Dignity in 2022, bringing live music to individuals experiencing homelessness. Cornelia’s career spans the U.S. and Europe, including leadership roles with the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra and guest appearances with ensembles such as Opera Ithaca, Brevard Philharmonic, and Asheville Lyric Opera. Known for blending her European roots with an American spirit, she is recognized for her inspiring leadership and captivating performances.

Dan Allcott -
Since moving to Tennessee in 2003, conductor and educator Dan Allcott has become a dynamic force in the state’s musical life. He is Music Director of the Bryan Symphony Orchestra at Tennessee Tech, where he also serves as Professor of Music and Director of Orchestra Studies. Formerly Music Director of the Oak Ridge Civic Music Association (2010–2012) and Atlanta Ballet (where he led more than 300 performances), Allcott has conducted orchestras across the U.S. and abroad, including the Indianapolis and Dallas Symphonies, Orchestra Iowa, and the Danish Radio Orchestra. A champion of new music, he has premiered works by Tennessee composers and commissioned Joan Tower’s Made in America. Dedicated to education and outreach, his annual youth concerts with the Bryan Symphony have reached more than 25,000 fourth graders across the Upper Cumberland.

Sarah Henrich has directed adult and youth choirs in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Colorado.