Thomas Butler (he/him) is a Nashville-based pianist and orchestral conductor studying Piano Performance at Lipscomb University under Dr. Jerome Reed and orchestral conducting with Alfonso Piacentini. He was selected to conduct at the University of North Texas Advanced Conducting Workshop in January 2025. Thomas has participated in several workshops, including the South Carolina Conductor’s Institute in July 2024 and the Fort Greene Conducting Workshop in October 2023. As a tenor with the Nashville Symphony Chorus, Thomas has performed major works like Mahler's Resurrection Symphony and Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. He has also contributed to recordings of Gabriela Frank’s Conquest Requiem and Antonio Estévez’s Cantata Criolla. After graduating in May 2025, Thomas plans to pursue a Master of Music degree in Orchestral Conducting.

A native of Redding, California, Julian Dürr (b. 2003) is a conductor, pianist, and composer whose music is defined by its sweeping lyricism, rich harmonic language, and deeply emotional storytelling. 

His artistic journey began in his hometown, where he studied piano with the late Duane Hampton and began concertizing around the North State at a young age. As a TRIO Upward Bound student and McConnell Scholar, Julian’s formative years were deeply influenced by the North State’s artistic and educational opportunities. At Shasta College, he studied conducting (Dr. Jeff Specht) and piano (Dr. Elizabeth Waterbury). He also began composing under the guidance of local composer Jeffrey Hayman. Julian remains committed to artistic growth in the North State, teaching students virtually through Redding Music School.  

As a composer, Julian’s music spans solo, chamber, and orchestral settings. He writes music that tells stories, evokes deep emotion, and builds meaningful connections—just as he aims to do in every performance. He is also dedicated to composing and conducting his own works, and his music is published across major streaming platforms. 

Julian is presently completing a Master of Music in Conducting (Dr. Bruce Hangen) at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where he also earned his Bachelor's degree in Composition. He also serves as pianist for the Boston Conservatory Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, and he has performed with esteemed ensembles including Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, Harvard New Music Ensemble, and Boston Lyric Opera. Most recently, he was a finalist in Boston Conservatory’s 2025 Orchestra Concerto Competition.

Sara Aldana, born in Bogotá, Colombia, is recognized for her sensitivity and charisma as a conductor. She serves as the Cover Conductor for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Youth Orchestra, with previous roles at the Reno Chamber Orchestra, Michigan Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Life Sciences Orchestra. In 2024, she worked with Maestro Alondra de la Parra at Festival Paax GNP in Mexico. Dedicated to music education and community engagement, she has led initiatives like creating a Latinx music library for educators and a bilingual concert, Fiesta, in Austin. As a skilled violinist, Sara holds performance degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and has performed as a soloist with several orchestras. She completed her degree in orchestral conducting at the University of Michigan under Professor Kenneth Kiesler.

Interpretations of Music: Lessons for Life

Saturday, March 8
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM