DETROIT — Following a nationwide search, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra has selected Michelle Merrill as assistant conductor.
Merrill will act as cover conductor for all classical series concerts, as well as conduct DSO’s Young People’s Family Concerts, Education Concert Series programs, and occasional Pops series programs
She will relocate to Detroit from Jacksonville, Fla. where she guest conducts the Jacksonville Symphony, in addition to her role as assistant conductor of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic. Merrill fills the position vacated earlier this year by Teddy Abrams, who has recently begun his inaugural season as music director of the Louisville Orchestra.
Merrill was awarded the prestigious Ansbacher Conducting Fellowship in 2013 by members of the Vienna Philharmonic and the American Austrian Foundation, which enabled her to be in residence at the world-renowned Salzburg Festival.
Merrill studied conducting with Dr. Paul C. Phillips at Southern Methodist University’s Meadows School of the Arts, where she holds a master of music in conducting and a bachelor of music in performance.
