More about Ian

Conductor, Educator, Dog Dad

If you think all conductors are stuffy, tuxedo-clad figures who take themselves too seriously, think again. IAN PASSMORE is the kind of maestro you could easily grab a beer with. Known for his warm personality, casual demeanor, and sharp sense of humor, Ian brings a down-to-earth charm to the podium that makes audiences feel like they’re part of the experience. His performances are passionate and vibrant, and his approach to music-making is refreshingly informal—without sacrificing depth or artistry.

To Ian, classical music isn’t a dusty museum piece or a holy relic to be admired from a distance. It’s meant to be alive, thrilling, and deeply human. Whether leading a sweeping Mahler symphony or an intimate chamber work, Ian’s goal is always to break down barriers and create an experience that feels immediate and real. His performances of Romantic-era masterpieces are bold and expressive, evoking the passion of a bygone era. At the same time, he 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 and Louisiana Philharmonics, as well as the orchestras of Charlotte, Greensboro, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Lincoln, North Carolina, Oak Ridge, and Winston-Salem. His international debut with Vietnam’s Hanoi Philharmonic Orchestra marked another milestone. After two seasons as Assistant Conductor of the Omaha Symphony, he was promoted to Associate Conductor, becoming the first person to hold that title in the orchestra’s 100-year history.

Ian serves as the Music Director of the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestras, leading their advanced Youth Symphony and intermediate Youth Camerata. He also guest conducts with the Anderson, Delaware, and Salisbury Symphony Orchestras. In fall 2025, he will conduct Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons as part of the U.S. leg of an international tour. This new video game music experience, curated by ConcernedApe and produced by Soho Live, brings the beloved soundtrack to life in a symphonic setting. He is also set to appear as a Music Director finalist for the Great Falls Symphony in April 2026. Additionally, he conducts Charlotte Ballet’s Nutcracker, where he navigates the intricate demands of ballet conducting with the timeless beauty of Tchaikovsky’s score. He thrives on collaboration, whether working with dancers, soloists, or composers, always seeking to bring out the best in 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. He has taught at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, guest-conducted youth ensembles nationwide, and presented at major conferences, including the International Conductors Guild. His private conducting students have gone on to study at prestigious conservatories and festivals such as Indiana University, the Conservatoire de musique de Lyon, the Cabrillo Festival, and the Aspen Music Festival & School. Ian strongly believes that classical music education should be engaging, practical, and relevant, preparing students not just for the podium but for the real-world demands of a conducting career.

Ian holds a Doctor of Music in Orchestral Conducting from Indiana University, along with degrees from the University of Delaware and UNC Greensboro. He studied under distinguished mentors, including James Allen Anderson, David Effron, Arthur Fagen, Tonu Kalam, and the late Robert Gutter.

Outside of conducting, Ian is a tech enthusiast, always on the lookout for gadgets that make life more efficient (or just more fun). He’s also a true crime podcast addict, regularly diving into the latest investigations and mysteries. When not immersed in music or crime stories, he enjoys road biking, CrossFit, cooking, and exploring new restaurants. A passionate advocate for work-life balance, Ian believes that having diverse interests outside of music makes him a better, more well-rounded conductor.

Ian shares his home in North Carolina with his wife, Dianna Fiore, and their four lively dogs—Beethoven, Charlie, Belle, and Heidi—who ensure there’s never a dull moment. Whether he’s on the podium, teaching, or simply hanging out with his dogs, Ian is always striving to bring energy, warmth, and authenticity to everything he does.

At his core, Ian believes classical music should be for everyone. Whether through his conducting, educational outreach, or his digital series “Symphonic Shorts”, he’s dedicated to making 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.