Philosophy

Conducting orchestras has been a joy and inspiration for nearly a half century. I bring to the conductor role a balance of musical knowledge, decades of experience as a performer and teacher, and a fervent belief in the power of orchestral music’s ability to uplift and ennoble our shared human experience. Having had the privilege of leading a huge repertoire of orchestral works, ballets and operas from the Baroque to the present day, I strive to find the transcendent in musical expression, along with the highest achievable levels of technical skill, passion, and knowledge. In fact, I see all of these things as one, a model of the balance in a highly effective life of contribution and fulfillment. And I believe that the primary role of the conductor is teacher: one who guides, instructs, motivates, and connects all those who play under their leadership.

  • “Mark Churchill and Symphony Pro Musica truly play for the love of music. Mark’s deep experience, musicality, and endless dedication to the cause are inspiring. The orchestra plays music for all the right reasons: with curiosity, seriousness of purpose, and enthusiasm” -Benjamin Hochman

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I believe that the optimal orchestra is a community of people who love music and thrive in the collective experience of music-making:

  • Who are excited to deepen their relationship with music and eager to learn and experience an array of musical expressions less familiar to them

  • Who support and encourage each other with patience and understanding

  • Who find deep pleasure in sharing their excitement about the music they love and admire with listeners

  • Who see their orchestral community as a significant contributor to the life of larger community around them

I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to lead and work with professional, amateur, youth, ballet, and opera orchestras throughout my conducting life. They all share the ideals listed above, but each brings distinctive backgrounds and vision to their participation in the orchestral community. Each is part of the larger ecosystem that brings great orchestral music into the fabric of our society and will ensure that Western classical music continues to inspire and support our society in myriad ways. 

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Orchestras in my life:
Symphony Pro Musica - Conductor
Asian Youth Orchestra - Resident Conductor
Boston Ballet - Associate Conductor
Salisbury Lyric Opera - Music Director and Conductor
Salisbury Chamber Orchestra - Guest Conductor
Indian Hill Orchestra - Guest Conductor
New Zealand Youth Orchestra - Guest Conductor
Mongolian National Ballet - Guest Conductor
Tokyo Komaki Ballet - Guest Conductor
New England Conservatory Youth Symphony - Guest Conductor
El Sistema - Founder, El Sistema USA
Orchestra of the Americas - Co-founder and Vice President
Boston Symphony Orchestra - Wife Marylou, Principal Second Violin for 30 years
New England Conservatory Preparatory School - Dean and creator of multi-orchestra training system. Instituted international tours for leading orchestra.
Cellist: Springfield Symphony, Brazilian Symphony Orchestra, Boston Philharmonic Orchestra

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