Dutch-American conductor ROBERT KAHN is known for his clarity, versatility, and command of both operatic and symphonic repertoire. A recipient of the Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Award, he currently works closely with the singers and creative teams at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, where he recently led performances of Così fan tutte and prepared new productions for the 2024–2025 season. Kahn completed the Conducting Fellowship at the Curtis Institute of Music, where he was mentored by Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Since then, he has built strong relationships with major orchestras across North America. Robert has collaborated with several of the world’s leading orchestras, serving as cover conductor for the Philadelphia Orchestra, Chicago Symphony, and the New York Philharmonic. In the summer of 2024, he joined the New York Philharmonic on tour in Vail and Asia, and was recently invited by the Rotterdam Philharmonic to assist Yannick Nézet-Séguin on a major European tour of Wagner’s Die Walküre. As a guest conductor, Robert conducted the Mannes School of Music’s (Un)Silent Film production featuring Metropolis in concert, as well as Music On Site’s production of Don Giovanni. In the 2024–2025 season, Robert returned to the Mannes School of Music to conduct a contemporary opera and led Così fan tutte with the Academy of Vocal Arts, made his subscription debut with the Marin Symphony in California, served as cover conductor for Opera Philadelphia’s production of Don Giovanni, and returned to cover several programs with the New York Philharmonic.

CHRISTINA ADAMS is currently Assistant Professor of Violin/Viola at Texas A&M Corpus Christi and artist-faculty at the Montecito International Music Festival. She holds degrees from the University of South Florida, Boston University, and a D.M.A. from the University of Michigan. Dr. Adams appears frequently as a solo, chamber, and orchestral musician. She has collaborated with leading artists from around the country, including New York Philharmonic principals Frank Huang, Michelle Kim, Cynthia Phelps, and Carter Brey, and has performed throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Festival appearances include the Killington Music Festival, Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival, Aspen Music Festival, and Hot Springs Music Festival. Recently appointed as the assistant concertmaster of the Victoria Symphony Orchestra, she has previously held violin and viola positions with both the Ann Arbor, Jackson, and Venice Symphony Orchestras, and her performances have been heard on radio stations throughout the U.S., including several appearances on WUSF 89.7. One of Dr. Adams’s main areas of focus is making classical music relatable and accessible. She previously served as the artistic director of "If Music Be the Food...Lansing," a concert series that directly benefits the Greater Lansing Food Bank. She was also a member of the Musicista Chamber Music Series, a locally based concert program focused on community outreach and engagement in the Tampa Bay Area. Dr. Adams is an enthusiastic advocate for contemporary classical music and has worked closely with composers Augusta Read Thomas, David Del Tredici, Salvatore Sciarrino, Michael Timpson, and Ricardo Zohn-Muldoon, and has premiered and recorded pieces for Taiwanese composer Chihchun Chi-Sun Lee. She is the violinist/violist of the Four Corners Ensemble, a new music group that focuses on the universal nature of music and cultivates pieces from diverse backgrounds. With the Four Corners Ensemble, Dr. Adams has appeared at residencies throughout North America, including 4CE’s summer festival “Operation Opera” and the 2026 Festival of New American Music. She recently premiered the orchestral version of “Peace House” by Shuying Li with the Chelsea Symphony, and can be heard on Navona Records with the Four Corners Ensemble on their album, “World Map.”

Benjamin Cline is an American cellist who has performed in dozens of venues in the United States, Europe, Middle East, and the Far East. He has appeared as soloist with many orchestras, including the Kaohsuing City Symphony Orchestra in Taiwan, was featured in performance on Public Radio's WXXI "Live from Hochstein" in Rochester, and has collaborated with many noted musicians, including Yumi Hwang-Williams, Jun Iwasaki, Theodor Kuchar, Richard Fuchs, and Tali Morgulis. He is a highly versatile musician, performing as recitalist, soloist, orchestral principal, and chamber musician. His repertoire is equally diverse, spanning from the 17th century works of Gabrielli to 21st century electroacoustic works for cello. Mr. Cline teaches at Fort Hays State University as Professor of Music and serves as Department Chair. He studied with Alan Harris at the Cleveland Institute of Music and Jim Fittz at the University of Northern Colorado. Master classes and additional studies were undertaken with Norman Fischer, Gordon Epperson, Anne Epperson, and members of the Cleveland and Juilliard String Quartets. Mr. Cline resides in Hays with his wife and enjoys spending his free time gardening, fishing, and cooking.

American conductor and coach J. BRADLEY BAKER enjoys a versatile career as a conductor, collaborative pianist and coach, educator, and music administrator. As a conductor and coach, Baker has led productions with Opera Naples, Opera Arlington, Chicago Summer Opera, Lawrence Opera Theatre, Opera Seme, Lyric Opera of Orange County, Landlocked Opera, Wichita Grand Opera, Natchez Festival of Music, Opera Birmingham, LOLA-Austin, Tabor College Opera, and University of Alabama Opera Theatre. Baker is the Director of the Maryland Opera Studio at the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland; Principal Coach on the Music Staff of The Glimmerglass Festival in Cooperstown, New York; and is Co-Founding Executive & Music Director of Music On Site. As a collaborative pianist and chamber musician, Baker has collaborated with many of the world's leading opera artists and has performed at many international and national conferences and festivals, including those of the International Double Reed Society, International Women’s Brass Conference, National Trumpet Competition, Hot Springs Music Festival, North American Viola Institute, Ad Astra Music Festival, National Opera Association, ClarinetFest, CollabFest, College Music Society, National Association of College Wind & Percussion Instructors, Music Teachers National Association, and the National Association of Teachers of Singing, among others.

RUBEN BALBOA is a violist, conductor, and educator recognized by the American Viola Society as an Emerging Artist (2021) and Emerging Teacher (2022). Balboa has performed with The Dallas Opera, Austin Symphony, Amarillo Symphony, and Austin Opera, and collaborates regularly with ensembles such as Austin Camerata, the Beerthoven Concert Series, and Candlelight Concerts. His chamber ensemble was awarded both Grand Prize and First Prize at the Coltman Chamber Music Competition. His greatest joy is performing with his wife, soprano Dr. Samantha Balboa, in programs that feature voice, viola, and piano. Dr. Balboa currently serves as Assistant Professor of Viola/Violin and String Music Education at Wichita State University. Prior to his appointment at WSU, he held faculty positions at The University of Texas at Austin, Illinois State University, Texas State University, and Southwestern University. He has conducted university and youth orchestras, guest conducted All-Region ensembles, and worked extensively with university string projects, mentoring students from undergraduate through doctoral levels. Beyond his university teaching, he also serves on the Board of the American Viola Society. A frequent presenter at conferences including ASTA, the International Viola Congress, and the National String Project Consortium, Balboa has also worked with the Wichita Symphony Youth Orchestra, Austin Chamber Music Center, Longhorn String Camp, and Youth Orchestras of San Antonio.