The University of Arizona School of Music is pleased to welcome Dr. Julie Desbordes as our new Director of Orchestras and Assistant Professor.
A multidimensional conductor and educator, Dr. Desbordes leads ensembles throughout the Americas, Asia and her native France. Prior to joining the University of Arizona, she served as Music Director of the Philharmonia Orchestra at Arizona State University. She also serves as Music Director of the Symphony of the Southwest and Salt River Brass, and conducts the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestras.
Before arriving in Arizona, Dr. Desbordes conducted community and youth orchestras in New York City and appeared as a guest conductor with ensembles in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Venezuela and Cuba. An active advocate for music education, she is a featured cast member in the documentary Crescendo! The Power of Music and regularly leads workshops for educators through Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute.
Dr. Desbordes holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Orchestral Conducting from the Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University, where she studied under Marin Alsop.
“I am deeply honored to join the University of Arizona as Assistant Professor and Director of Orchestras,” said Desbordes. “I look forward to building on the program’s strong foundation, fostering meaningful musical experiences and preparing the next generation of artists, educators and leaders through the transformative power of orchestral music.”
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Desbordes to the School of Music community.
By: Marisabel Lares