More about Ian

If you think all conductors are stuffy, tuxedo-clad figures who take themselves too seriously, think again. IAN PASSMORE is a conductor known as much for his genuine warmth and quick wit as for his compelling performances. Bringing a down-to-earth charm to the podium, Ian connects easily with musicians and audiences alike, inviting everyone into the musical experience. His performances are passionate and vibrant, his approach refreshingly direct—without sacrificing depth or artistry.

To Ian, classical music isn’t a dusty museum piece to be admired from afar. It’s meant to be alive, thrilling, and deeply human. Whether leading a sweeping Mahler symphony or an intimate chamber work, his goal is to break down barriers, creating concerts that feel immediate and engaging. His interpretations of Romantic-era masterpieces are bold and expressive, while he also embraces the adventurous spirit of contemporary music, championing composers who push orchestral storytelling in new directions.

Ian’s conducting career has taken him across the U.S. and internationally. He has led the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as the orchestras of Charlotte, Greensboro, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra, North Carolina, Oak Ridge, and Winston-Salem. A significant milestone was his international debut with Vietnam’s Hanoi Philharmonic Orchestra. With the Omaha Symphony, two successful seasons as Assistant Conductor led to his 2019 promotion to Associate Conductor—the first musician to hold that title in the orchestra’s century-long history.

A passionate collaborator, Ian has shared the stage with acclaimed artists such as Canadian Brass, violinist Susanna Perry Gilmore, and pianists Spencer Myer and Clare Longendyke. His orchestral expertise also extends to preparing ensembles for performances under distinguished guest artists, including conductor Franz Welser-Möst and violinist Joshua Bell.

Beginning with the 2025-26 season, Ian continues his affiliation with the Charlotte Symphony as Music Director of the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestras, guiding the Youth Symphony and Youth Camerata. As a member of the Symphony's conducting staff, his work frequently extends to the professional orchestra; for instance, during the 2024-25 season, he conducted the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra's popular Nutcracker performances with Charlotte Ballet alongside his interim leadership of the youth program. That season also included guest conducting engagements with the Anderson Symphony Orchestra, Delaware Symphony Orchestra, Salisbury Symphony Orchestra, and the Symphony Orchestra at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

Upcoming projects for the 2025-26 season include conducting numerous performances of Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons on the U.S. leg of its international tour—a unique concert experience curated by Stardew Valley's creator, ConcernedApe, and produced by Soho Live. In April 2026, Ian will also appear as a Music Director finalist with the Great Falls Symphony. He thrives on collaboration, whether working with dancers, guest soloists, or composers, always seeking synergy between the music and the musicians he leads.

Beyond the podium, Ian is a dedicated educator and mentor, committed to making conducting and classical music more accessible and relevant. He previously taught conducting at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music as an Associate Instructor, has guest-conducted youth ensembles nationwide, and presented at major conferences, including for the International Conductors Guild. A recent highlight was leading the Saint Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra for their Spring 2024 season finale following a 12-week residency. His private conducting students have been accepted to prestigious conservatories and festivals, including Indiana University, the Conservatoire national supérieur musique et danse de Lyon, the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, and the Aspen Music Festival and School, reflecting his focus on preparing students for the real-world demands of a conducting career.

Ian holds a Doctor of Music in Orchestral Conducting from Indiana University, a Master of Music from the University of Delaware, and a Bachelor of Arts from UNC Greensboro. He pursued additional studies at UNC Chapel Hill and counts James Allen Anderson, David Effron, Arthur Fagen, Tonu Kalam, and the late Robert Gutter among his principal mentors.

Outside of conducting, Ian is a tech enthusiast and an avid listener of true crime podcasts. When not immersed in scores or investigations, he enjoys road biking, CrossFit, cooking, and exploring new restaurants. A passionate advocate for work-life balance, Ian believes that pursuing diverse interests fuels creativity and perspective, making him a more well-rounded conductor.

Ian shares his home in High Point, North Carolina with his wife, Dianna Fiore, and their four lively dogs—Beethoven, Charlie, Belle, and Heidi—who ensure life is never dull. Whether on the podium, teaching, or enjoying downtime, Ian strives to bring energy, warmth, and authenticity to everything he does.

At his core, Ian believes classical music should resonate with everyone. Through his conducting, educational outreach, and digital series “Symphonic Shorts,” he works to make orchestral music feel fresh, exciting, and accessible—never like an artifact under glass.

Ian Passmore is represented by Parker Artists of New York and is a performing artist for Work of Art Custom Batons.