Want to get involved? We are actively seeking additional voices to build this grassroots organization. If you or someone you know might be interested in becoming a part of the IPO, please reach out!
Michael Roest
Founder & Director
Michael Roest is an advocate for building and celebrating community through the arts. Roest is the founder and director of the International Pride Orchestra, an organization that unites LGBTQ+ musicians from around the world to present concerts, commission new works, and support LGBTQ+ causes. Roest additionally serves as associate dean for academic affairs at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where he previously led the Pre-College and Continuing Education Divisions.
Prior to his work in San Francisco, Roest founded and directed the Empty Mugs Holiday Brass & Organ Spectacular, which brought together musicians, ceramic artists, and community organizations to raise funds to provide food, financial assistance, educational outreach, and basic needs for low-income and vulnerable community members. He also led the Northern Ohio Youth Orchestras as executive and artistic director and served as Teacher of Brass Studies and Director of the Oberlin Brass Ensemble at the Oberlin Conservatory.
Roest holds his degrees in music from The Juilliard School of Music and the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. He also trained at the National Repertory Orchestra, National Orchestral Institute, Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, Weill Institute at Carnegie Hall, and Lucerne Festival Academy.
Founding Board of Directors
Michael Roest, President & Director
Christine Brandes, Co-Director
Nicholas Phan, Vice President
Luke Spence, General Manager
Kelly Klomparens, Treasurer
Andrew Tremblay, Secretary
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Advisory
Janet Carpenter, Violinist - St. Louis Symphony
Greg Hix, Artistic Administrator - San Francisco Symphony
James Shamblin, Director of Operations (Operations Manager - West Virginia Symphony)
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If you or someone you know might be interested in getting involved, please reach out!