Maestro Robert Bernhardt accepted an appointment as artist-in-residence in Lee University’s School of Music, as announced by President Paul Conn and Dean William Green.
In his role as artist-in-residence, Maestro Bernhardt will serve as the conductor of the Lee University Symphony Orchestra.
Dr. Phillip Thomas, chair of the department of instrumental music, said, “I am delighted that our students have the opportunity to work with Maestro Bernhardt, who brings a wealth of experience in the professional world to which many of these students aspire. His affable manner and superior knowledge of the orchestral repertoire make him a great addition to our fine faculty!”
Conductor of the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera (CSO), Maestro Bernhardt is the second music director in the history of the orchestra’s existence. Maestro Bernhardt is retiring after his 16th season as conductor with the CSO, and will assume the role of "conductor emeritus" with that organization next season.
Maestro Bernhardt has extensive guest conducting experience with orchestras nationwide, including the Houston Symphony, Seattle Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops Orchestra.
Maestro Bernhardt has conducted many fully-staged operas, operettas and ballets. He made his Carnegie Hall debut in 1978, and has recorded for Vanguard, First Edition, Carlton Classics and RPO record labels. In addition to his tenure with the CSO, Maestro Bernhardt has served as the Principal Pops Conductor of the Louisville Orchestra for the last 28 years.
Mr. Thomas formed the orchestra at Lee in 1996 by combining community and student musicians. Several semesters later, it became an all-student orchestra. In 2002, the group traveled to Germany and Austria, performing works by Mozart, Copland and others.
Maestro Bernhardt has already begun rehearsals with the student orchestra and is preparing for the ensemble’s spring concert, its first under Maestro Bernhardt’s baton, on April 18.