Reviews and Press Features about Sarah L Pearson
Critical Acclaim & Industry Recognition
Explore what industry leaders and media voices are saying about my work as a conductor, artistic storyteller, and community builder—shaped through meaningful collaborations and a commitment to inspiring both musicians and audiences.
"Sarah Pearson conducts with a unique combination of intensity and personal warmth that is both beautiful and compelling."
Maestra JoAnn Falletta, Music Director of the Buffalo Philharmonic and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra
“Sarah Pearson is a conductor of emotional depth and great commitment, with a baton technique that is both clear and expressive and with a sincere passion to learn and grow in all aspects of her musical life. As an instrumentalist and singer, she brings to her work a broad understanding from both sides of the podium, and as a lover of great music of many kinds, is comfortable in many genres. She's a terrific person, and has a great future ahead.”
Maestro Robert Bernhardt, Music Director Emeritus and Principal Pops Conductor for Chattanooga Symphony and Opera; Principal Pops Conductor for Louisville Orchestra and Principal Pops Conductor for Grand Rapids Symphony
"Sarah Pearson conducts like an artist who unrestrained, waves the brush with unlimited colors and inks."
Roumen Boyadjieff-junior, Bulgarian Composer
"Passion would be an understatement in describing Sarah’s enthusiastic approach to everything she does, whether its leading an orchestra and performers through the challenges of the Titanic: The Musical score, volunteering her talent as a flautist or working one-on-one with local youth looking to expand their musical abilities. She’s a joy to work with and an incredible asset to Chattanooga and the surrounding communities."
Mary Beth Torgerson, local singer/actor and managing editor of Chatter, Get Out and Live Well magazines
“Sarah Pearson is a leader. She makes people want to play or sing under her baton. She is able to blend an ensemble comprised of amateurs and seasoned professionals into an expressive, musical organism that lives, breathes, and compels the audience to sit up and take notice. She always demonstrates intimate knowledge of the scores she conducts, having done her homework before taking the podium, and then with the first wave of the baton it is evident that she is in charge. She calls on musicians and singers alike to give their best for she is giving back to them 100%. The fact that she has a charming and warm personality merely complements her skills as a conductor. She is a musician who plays her chosen instrument, the orchestra, with skill, love, and passion.”
Terry Sanford, Teacher/ Singer/ Pianist/Conductor and Assistant Executive Director of Closed Door Entertainment
Featured in “Striking a Chord” in Fall 2024 of CityScope Magazine.
Sarah Pearson was chosen as the 2020 Arts Honoree for the Community First Awards in Cleveland, Tennessee. The Honorees are individuals who go above and beyond in their work and service to others.
Lee University alumnae Dr. Caitlin Jones and Sarah Pearson recently performed with the Anderson Symphony Orchestra at the historic Paramount Theatre in Anderson, Indiana.
Go Behind the Scenes with Sarah Pearson in Inside the Music. In this episode, Sarah sits down with acclaimed guest cellist Julian Schwarz to discuss his upcoming performance at SoNA’s “Imagine Big” concert at the Walton Arts Center. Together, they explore the inspiration behind the program, Julian’s musical journey, and what makes this concert experience so unique.
Sarah Pearson joined Chip Chapman on Let's Chatt to share her inspiring journey as an orchestral conductor and to highlight her work with The Cleveland Orchestra of Tennessee. In this engaging interview, she discusses her passion for music, leadership in the arts, and the orchestra's mission to bring world-class performances to the Tennessee Valley.
David Fogel Interviews Conductor Sarah Pearson
Nationally recognized conductor Sarah Pearson joins David Fogel, CEO of The Symphonina Foundation, for an in-depth conversation about her artistic journey, leadership philosophy, and vision for the future of orchestral music.
A National Finalist for The American Prize in Conducting, Pearson has conducted acclaimed ensembles including the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Symphony of Northwest Arkansas (SoNA), and the Lviv Philharmonic Orchestra, and made her Carnegie Hall conducting debut in 2024. As Founder and Music Director of The Cleveland Orchestra and Chorus of Tennessee, Music Director of The Cleveland Pops, and Assistant Conductor of Symphony of Northwest Arkansas, she is committed to creating inspiring performances that connect communities through music.
In this exclusive long-form interview, Pearson discusses her career, conducting philosophy, music education, artistic leadership, and her passion for making classical music engaging and accessible for audiences of all ages.
Carrying Forward a Legacy of Service Through Music
By Sarah Pearson for Influential Women
Sarah Pearson reflects on leadership, service, and her direct lineage to America’s founding history through the Harrison presidential family. As a conductor and educator, she shares how music became her way of carrying forward a legacy of connection, community impact, and meaningful leadership—using the arts to unite, inspire, and serve others.
Sarah Pearson Featured by Influential Women: Conductor Advancing Orchestral Music Through Leadership and Innovation
Award-winning American conductor Sarah Pearson was recently featured by Influential Women for her contributions to orchestral music, arts leadership, and music education. In this feature, Pearson reflects on her journey as a conductor, her leadership philosophy, and her commitment to making classical music more engaging, accessible, and relevant for today's audiences.
A National Finalist for The American Prize in Conducting and a Carnegie Hall conductor, Pearson serves as Founder and Music Director of The Cleveland Orchestra and Chorus of Tennessee, Music Director of The Cleveland Pops, and Assistant Conductor of the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas (SoNA). The article explores her work as an artistic leader, educator, and advocate for innovative audience engagement through initiatives such as Inside the Music, as well as her passion for mentoring the next generation of musicians.
Read the full Influential Women feature to learn more about Sarah Pearson's artistic vision, conducting career, and mission to inspire communities through the transformative power of orchestral music.