Carolyn Watson

Carolyn Watson is an accomplished conductor with a diverse range of experience across multiple orchestras and educational institutions. Currently serving as the Conductor for the South Bend Symphony Orchestra since December 2023, Carolyn also holds the position of Director of Orchestras at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Music Director for the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra. Previous roles include Principal Guest Conductor for the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra, Conductor for the Lyric Opera Of Kansas City, and the Kansas City Ballet. Additional conducting responsibilities span the Austin Symphony Orchestra and the Interlochen Center for the Arts, where Carolyn directed the Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra. Educational qualifications include a PhD and a Master's degree in Performance (Conducting) from the University of Sydney, as well as an Advanced Diploma in Kodaly and a Bachelor's degree in Music Education.