Michael Christ Powers, conductor

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A native Californian, Michael Christ Powers is an ambassador and advocate for music and its transformative and uplifting power in the lives of all people. As a professional musician, talented educator and inspiring conductor he has dedicated his career to connecting to students, musicians and community audiences through the medium of music. For Michael, Los Angeles proves itself to be a catalyst and center for art in all its forms and continues to be a daily inspiration for his work and life as an Angeleno.

 

Michael has been an ambassador and advocate of music in his community through his outreach collaborations with the USC Thornton School of Music, The Philharmonic Society of Orange County, The Juilliard School MAP Orchestra, Crossroads School of the Arts, Harmony Project, Los Angeles City College, Pasadena City College, American Youth Symphony, Colburn School, YMF Debut Orchestra and others.

 

Michael has led concerts in three continents with ensembles including the Brooklyn Philharmonic, , Manhattan Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra, Bergen Philharmonic, South Shore Philharmonic, North Shore Symphony, Long Island Youth Orchestra, Manhattan School of Music Chamber Sinfonia, YMF Debut Orchestra, USC Concert Orchestra, and many others. He is in demand as a conductor, clinician, adjudicator, private teacher, and lecturer.

 

In 2016, Michael was selected by the New Valley Symphony Orchestra to be their new Music Director & Conductor. NVSO President Gary Urwin issued this statement concerning the appointment, "We are extremely happy that Michael is joining NVSO. We believe that Michael is exactly the right person to spearhead our role of bringing quality orchestral music to the community, as well as to lead us into the future.” He further adds, “His vision, diligence, and talent all became evident during our selection process, and we look forward to diverse, entertaining and uplifting orchestral performances under the baton of our inspiring new Music Director.”​

 

Outside of the realm of conducting and teaching, Michael enjoys running on the roads and trails of Griffith Park as well as occasionally frustrating himself with a round of golf. Together with his wife, opera singer Katherine Powers, he also explores the many and fascinating neighborhoods of LA and their excellent restaurants, museums, culture and architecture.