Michael

Performers and audience members describe Michael Isadore’s music making as “energetic, inspiring and passionate.” His ability to bring ensembles together and create artistic performances with ensembles of any age make him a sought-after conductor, clinician and performer.

Currently serving as the Associate Conductor of the Houston Civic Symphony, work with young musicians has played an important role in his career. Under his direction, the Dulles High School orchestra grew from a small program to a nationally recognized ensemble, having performed several times at The Midwest Clinic, multiple finalist appearances in the Texas Music Educators Association Honor Orchestra competitions and been a consistent “commended” and “National” winners in the Mark of Excellence competition.

A champion of new music, Isadore has commissioned and premiered works by composers Libby Larsen, Kenji Bunch, Kirt Mosier, Michael Markowski, Jamie Sampson, Dana Wilson and others. During his time with the Houston Youth Symphony, Isadore invited composers into the rehearsals, including Pierre Jalbert and Quinn Mason. Under his direction, the Houston Youth Symphony performed works not commonly associated with a youth ensemble at a performance level well above their age. Mr. Isadore has won the American Prize in Conducting, Performance, and American Music with all three organizations, in addition to being presented the Manilow Music Award (for music educators) by Barry Manilow and the Spec’s Charitable Foundation Award for Excellence in Music Education, presented by the Houston Symphony.

In addition to being a conductor, Mr. Isadore’s versatile career involves performances as an orchestral and chamber musician, concerto soloist, recitalist, lecturer, and teacher. He holds clarinet positions with the Victoria Symphony, the Symphony of Southeast Texas, and has performed professionally with the Houston Symphony, Corpus Christi Symphony, San Antonio Chamber Orchestra, Victoria Bach Festival and the Houston Gilbert and Sullivan Society. As a soloist, Isadore has performed recitals and concertos around Texas including a feature performance with the Sugar Land Winds at the Texas Bandmasters Association convention.