DALLAS - s4story -- The New Texas Symphony Orchestra (NTSO) announces the appointment of Dr. Michelle Perrin Blair as its new Artistic Director and Conductor, effective August 1, 2025.  The American Prize-winning conductor will succeed Dr. Kathryn D. Brownlee, who founded the orchestra in 2004 and led it through 21 years of transformative growth.

Under Brownlee's leadership, the NTSO has become known for championing underrepresented works—particularly music by women and composers of color—while maintaining beloved orchestral traditions through FREE community performances throughout the DFW metroplex.

"I'm thrilled to welcome Dr. Blair to the NTSO," said Brownlee. "Her talents and experience will further enrich our musicality and help us grow as an organization. She's engaging and charismatic on the podium and off. I can't wait for you to meet her!"

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Blair brings an impressive track record as an award-winning conductor whose work spans symphony orchestras, musical theatre, and contemporary music. Her dedication to community engagement and new music advocacy has made her a standout figure in the classical music industry of her native Texas.

"Fostering community music making in this community is extremely important to me," said Blair. "I'm very excited to build on Dr. Brownlee's legacy and implement a new vision going forward that also honors the incredible foundation of this organization–and we're gonna have a lot of fun!"

As Principal Guest Conductor of American Festival for the Arts and a featured clinician on the TPSMEA circuit, Blair is recognized for her educational leadership. Her recent accolades include the premiere of the groundbreaking "Echoes of a Memory" commission for The Sixth Floor Museum, commemorating the 60th anniversary of JFK's assassination, conducting at the prestigious Texas New Music Festival and leading interdisciplinary projects with Emerge Arts Coalition, making classical music accessible to diverse audiences.

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Blair's appointment follows a search conducted by a select committee led by Steven Couch and appointed by the NTSO Board of Directors, who sought a leader demonstrating exceptional musical ability and a deep commitment to community engagement—qualities that have defined the orchestra's success.

"We are excited for the gift and talent that Dr. Blair will bring to the NTSO as she leads us into the future," said Couch. "She is already bringing new ideas to the board to take us into our next 20 years."

The New Texas Symphony Orchestra looks forward to this exciting new chapter under Dr. Blair's artistic leadership as the organization continues to grow and serve the North Texas community. Visit ntso.org for more information.