Dr. Katherine Kilburn

Biography

Katherine Kilburn serves as Assistant Director of Orchestras at Michigan State University College of Music. She is the recipient of the Thelma Robinson Conducting Award and has held positions such as Assistant Conductor for the National Repertory Orchestra and El Paso Opera. Additionally, she has worked with the St. Louis Symphony Chorus and conducted the Interlochen Arts Academy Wind Ensemble. Kilburn has a rich background in conducting, including directing the Greater New Haven Youth Chamber Orchestras and the Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth Repertory Orchestra. Furthermore, she has guest conducted various esteemed orchestras such as the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra, Lawrence University Symphony Orchestra, and the Cleveland Opera Theater. Ms. Kilburn's expertise extends to championing new music, having conducted numerous world and USA premieres, and is involved in premiere recordings for the Naxos American Classics/Milken Archive label. She has also conducted at significant music festivals, including the Cabrillo Music Festival and the MidAmerican Center for Contemporary Music. Kilburn previously served as Interim Director of Orchestras at Kent State University, where she taught conducting and directed operas. She has been a faculty member at Baldwin Wallace Conservatory and has engaged in guest conducting throughout her career. She completed her studies in conducting at the Conservatoire Darius Milhaud in France and the Royal Academy of Music in London, earning degrees from institutions including Bowling Green State University, the University of Michigan, Indiana University, and Wellesley College.

Research Interests