ALEXANDER MICKELTHWATE

When Alexander Mickelthwate told his young son Jack they were moving from Winnipeg, Canada, to Oklahoma City, his first thought was: “But Dad, they have tornadoes there!” It was 2018, and Mickelthwate had just accepted a new position as Music Director of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. Tornadoes aside, he knew instinctively Oklahoma City would be a good fit—both personally and professionally.

“We spent 12 years in Winnipeg,” Mickelthwate said, “And I also lived in Los Angeles and New York City. But Oklahoma—it is a perfect fit. For my wife and our two sons, it gives us the feeling of a large city, yet small enough to have a sense of community. And leading our state’s premiere orchestra is an amazing opportunity.”

Mickelthwate was born and raised in Frankfurt, Germany. He received his degree from the Peabody Institute of Music, and has worked with orchestras in Atlanta, Winnipeg and Los Angeles.

He is Music Director Emeritus of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra in Canada, and in 2022 Mickelthwate accepted the position of Music Director for the prestigious Bear Valley Music Festival in Bear Valley, California.

As he begins his fifth season with the OKCPHIL, Mickelthwate has become quite aware of what his hometown audiences want in a performance—sometimes traditional, sometimes innovative, but always with a good dose of enthusiasm.

“My wife Abigail and I celebrated our 25th anniversary at ‘Nonesuch’ restaurant,” Mickelthwate said. “Our meal consisted of a number of different dishes—some familiar, and some new and exciting. As I sampled each course, I thought that’s how our programming is. We are giving our audiences the traditional music they love, but also letting them experience a new palate.”

Giving back to the community is an important role Mickelthwate takes seriously. After guest conducting the Simon Bolivar Orchestra in Venezuela and experiencing the life-changing power of the El Sistema program, he played an instrumental part in creating Sistema Winnipeg.

Mickelthwate has embraced Oklahoma City and it’s rich and colorful tapestry. Artistically, he has programmed several concerts with a Native American theme, and has created some touching tributes to our city’s history. Two years ago, he led the commissioning of a special piece for the 25th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, and this season the OKCPHIL presents an original work celebrating the centennial of civil rights icon Clara Luper.

“I have so much I want to do,” Mickelthwate said. “I want Oklahoma City to think of us as part of the family. If you’re a regular patron, we thank you. If you’re new to the OKCPHIL, welcome—we are thrilled you’re here!

“I believe music has a healing effect,” he continued. “It goes straight to the heart, and it unites us all. I truly love Oklahoma City and am so proud to be part of the community.”