Carolyn Watson

Carolyn Watson is an accomplished conductor with extensive experience across various prestigious organizations. Currently serving as the Conductor for the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, Carolyn has also held the position of Director of Orchestras at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign since June 2022. Additional roles include Music Director at the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra and Principal Guest Conductor for the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra, both since early 2020. Carolyn has a notable presence with the Lyric Opera Of Kansas City and the Kansas City Ballet. Previous engagements include conducting at the Austin Symphony Orchestra and the Interlochen Center for the Arts, where Carolyn served as Music Director for the Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra. Academic credentials include a PhD in Performance (Conducting) from the University of Sydney, alongside a strong foundation in music education and conducting.