In a field still dominated by men, Dr. Robyn Bell is standing tall and also one of the very few leading orchestras in the United States. A conductor, arranger, educator, Bell holds a DMA in conducting and is known for her innovative programming and commitment to accessibility in classical and pops performance.
As the Managing and Artistic Director of The Pops Orchestra of Sarasota and Bradenton, Bell has built a reputation for specializing at the intersection of popular music and symphonic orchestrations, by developing, producing, and conducting scores of pops orchestra shows highlighting the music audiences know and love.
Robyn Bell pushes artistic boundaries, blending traditional pops repertoire with theatrical storytelling. Robyn doesn’t conduct traditional pops repertoire, rather she brings people to the concert halls to enjoy the music they know and love, but in an orchestral setting.
This fall, Bell will launch The Pops’ milestone 50th season, featuring a rich program that includes Bob Christianson’s Emmy-nominated, Broadway style setting of “A Christmas Carol, the Concert,” fusing Dickens’ timeless tale with a full orchestral experience. With an eye on expanding her reach beyond Florida, Bell is actively pitching her self-developed shows to regional symphonies across the country.
Related: Music Therapy Calms the Brain in Patients With Cancer
“I’ve built a library of pops shows that combine the best of patriotic, Broadway, Hollywood, jazz, big band, jukebox, Motown, and holiday selections—with themes that speak to real audiences,” says Bell. “Now I’m ready to take these shows on the road and bring inclusive, entertaining orchestral performances to new communities.”
While names like Marin Alsop have helped blaze a trail for women conductors globally, Bell’s peers in the live music-to-film and gaming symphony space – such as Sarah Hicks and Susie Seiter – have found powerful ways to innovate, but Bell’s sweet spot is creating full-fledged pops programs with featured guest artists, entertaining audience rapport, and community impact.
As she embarks on a busy season, Bell remains committed to two missions: expanding her national presence with regional orchestras and uplifting representation for women in the arts.
“My goal is to ‘unstuff’ the orchestra, allowing everyone in the hall to feel comfortable. At my shows, you know when to clap,” she laughs. “But I do know how to sell out a house, if they’ll give me a shot.”
Learn more at RobynBell.net and ThePopsOrchestra.org.
