Chelsea Tipton II is a highly regarded American conductor known for his exceptional musicality, versatility, accessibility, and steadfast commitment to art education. Currently serving as the Music Director of the Symphony of Southeast Texas for his sixteenth season and as the Principal Pops Conductor with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra for his eleventh season, Tipton was recently appointed as Principal Guest Conductor for the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra. He also serves on the conducting staff at the Interlochen Center for the Arts during the summer. Notably, he held the position of Resident Conductor of the Toledo Symphony Orchestra for seven successful seasons and served as the Associate Conductor of the Savannah Symphony Orchestra for four seasons.
Tipton is a sought-after guest conductor, having collaborated with major orchestras such as the Cleveland Orchestra, American Composers Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Houston Symphony Orchestra, Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and many others. In 2011, he accompanied Sting on tour across fourteen European countries, performing with nineteen orchestras. His recent notable performance was a special show with Sting in November 2021 alongside the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra.
During the summer of 2011, one venue highlighted the maestro’s exceptional versatility when he was selected to accompany Sting on an extensive European tour, spanning fifteen countries. Tipton took on the significant responsibility of preparing and rehearsing the musicians from nineteen different orchestras. He performed in concert with Sting at multiple prestigious locations, including the Canary Islands, Granada, and Cap Roig, Spain. This tour further solidified his reputation as a conductor capable of mastering diverse musical settings.
In the current season, Tipton will be found guest conducting the Chicago Sinfonietta, Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, Allentown Symphony Orchestra, Greensboro Symphony Orchestra, and New Haven Symphony Orchestra when not performing at the Julie Rogers Theater in Beaumont, Texas.
Tipton has received numerous recognitions for his exceptional contributions to music and his community. He was the featured honoree at the Gift of Life Champagne and Ribs awards, the guest “Roastee” at the Spindletop Rotary Club Celebrity Roast. He received the Aspire Award from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, he was named Citizen of the Year by the Neches River Festival in Beaumont and was awarded the Community Spotlight Award by Capital One Bank for his leadership in the Beaumont community. Furthermore, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner selected Tipton to conduct the memorial concert honoring the life of former President George H.W. Bush with the Houston Symphony Orchestra. He also performed at the renowned Apollo Theater in New York City with the American Composers Orchestra, showcasing new music by African American composers and featuring various guest artists. In May 2023, he conducted the American Composers Orchestra in a special “Sonic Collective Ring Shout” presentation at the prestigious Kennedy Center.
Tipton holds a Master of Music degree in orchestral conducting from Northern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Music in Clarinet Performance from the Eastman School of Music. He pursued additional studies at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He participated in professional development programs such as the International Conducting Workshop and Festival, Conductors Retreat at Medomak, the Pierre Monteux School for Conductors in Hancock, Maine, and the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra Conductor’s Workshop with Markand Thakar. As a dedicated advocate for arts education, he actively mentors college students aspiring to pursue classical music and the arts.
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