Lee Mills, Artistic Director | From Montana to Maestro: Orchestras, EDM, and Palm Springs Magic

This episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar with Patrick Evans and Randy Florence spotlights a dynamic leader shaping the desert’s classical scene. As artistic director for Palm Springs Friends of Philharmonic, our guest Lee Mills explains how a tiny team brings the world’s great orchestras to the McCallum Theatre within a narrow January to April window—often booking seasons as far out as 2028. Expect a blockbuster lineup: Chicago Symphony; a Los Angeles Philharmonic visit during a milestone leadership transition; Academy of St Martin in the Fields with Joshua Bell; a top Mexico City orchestra with Carlos Miguel Prieto and Pacho Flores fresh off a 2023 Latin Grammy; plus San Diego and Dallas Symphonies. We trace Mills’ path from Belgrade, Montana to podiums in Brazil, Seattle, and the Carolinas, and how an MBA sharpened his audience-first programming. He rejects old-school “dictator” conducting in favor of joyful collaboration—and shares a thrilling vision to fuse symphonic power with club production. Pro tip: the season’s nearly sold out—join the waitlist.

Takeaways:

• Palm Springs Friends of Philharmonic presents world-class orchestras at McCallum Theatre.

• Touring windows are tight (Jan–Apr), and dates are juggled years in advance.

• Upcoming highlights include Chicago Symphony, LA Phil, Academy of St Martin with Joshua Bell, San Diego & Dallas Symphonies, and a Mexico City orchestra with Carlos Miguel Prieto and Pacho Flores.

• The organization is lean (two going on three staff) and partners closely with McCallum’s crew.

• Career arc: Montana roots → college conducting epiphany → Brazil, Seattle → Greenville music directorship.

• Leadership style favors collaboration, fun, and audience engagement—no “tyrant conductor” vibes.

• Bold vision: bring orchestras into club environments with lights, acrobatics, and symphonic hits.

• Season is almost sold out; waitlists routinely move 50–100 returned tickets per concert.

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