Of the People:
Bartók, Fernández, & Tchaikovsky

Renowned as a conductor of “uncommon emotional intensity” (Marie-Celine) and a “force at the podium” (Eugene Scene), American conductor Mélisse Brunet is a native of Paris, France with an active career on both sides of the Atlantic. In July 2022, she became the fifth Music Director of the Lexington Philharmonic, and the first woman to hold the position.

Brunet is one of the five conductors featured in the documentary “Maestra” by the Director Maggie Contreras. As a dynamic advocate of contemporary music, Brunet has collaborated with composers such as Shawn E. Okpebholo, Brittany J. Green, Mary D. Watkins, T.J. Cole, Steven Stucky, Michael Daugherty, Shulamit Ran, and Jennifer Higdon, among others.

She holds diplomas from the Paris Conservatory, the Université la Sorbonne, the Cleveland Institute of Music, and a Doctorate in conducting from the University of Michigan.

Learn more at lexphil.org/music-director.

Acclaimed for his “most assured pianism,” and “natural, songful lyricism” (The Dallas Morning News), pianist and educator Jonathan Mamora strives to uplift and positively influence others using music as a means for service.

An Indonesian-American and Southern California native now with a burgeoning performing career, Jonathan’s commitment to service is steadfast—whether playing in church or in the community or on the concert stage.

Learn more here.