Cynthia Katsarelis is noted for creating and conducting innovative programs of diverse classics to cutting-edge with professional and youth orchestras. New to the University of Notre Dame faculty, Dr. Cynthia Katsarelis has conducted over 50 orchestras following her apprenticeship with the Cincinnati Symphony, Pops, and May Festival. As Music Director of Pro Musica Colorado Chamber Orchestra, her commitment to music of new and diverse composers has resulted in numerous commissions and world and regional premieres. She has collaborated extensively with professional and community choirs, dancers, and soloists, and has worked in opera and mixed media (visual and film).

Believing in the transformative power of music, Dr. Katsarelis has taught in Haiti since 2004 at L’École de Musique Sainte Trinité in Port-au-Prince and its summer music camps in Cange and near Mirebalais. There, she’s conducted L’Orchestre Philharmonique Sainte Trinité, taught violin pedagogy, and worked with the children’s choir, Les Petits Chanteurs. Her commitment to social justice through music includes producing benefit concerts and food drives.

Dr. Katsarelis serves on the board of the International Conductors Guild and has held positions as chair of the ICG Women’s Caucus and a moderator on various panels. Her dissertation thesis projects included work on Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 14 and an examination of the symphonies of Louise Farrenc.

 For seventeen years, Cynthia served as Music Director of Pro Musica Colorado Chamber Orchestra. She is a former apprentice with the Cincinnati Symphony, Pops, and May Festival, and guest conductor with the Colorado Music Festival, the Buffalo Philharmonic, and the North Carolina Symphony. Reviews show enthusiasm for creative programming and high-quality performances.