Originally from Limoges, France, Julie Desbordes is a fast rising conductor known for her engaging style, energetic interpretations and emotional communication with her musicians and audiences. Currently Artistic Director of QUO (the Queer Urban Orchestra) in New York City, her recent international appearances as a guest conductor include concerts in Venezuela, Canada, Hong Kong and Macau. She is also Associate Conductor of Education and Outreach for The Chelsea Symphony (NYC).

Julie’s love for music began from the moment she picked up the cornet at age 8. Soon after, she was identified as a talent with the baton as well.

Ms. Desbordes has a passion for educational outreach, and is known for creating interesting programs that bring a wider and more diverse audience into concert halls. She served for many years as Site Director and Orchestra Director for New York’s The Harmony Program (El Sistema USA) and has been a featured guest at El Sistema programs nationwide, most recently in Los Angeles, Baltimore, Hawaii and Connecticut.

Julie is featured in an upcoming documentary about El Sistema USA by Jamie Bernstein (daughter of Leonard Bernstein) entitled “Crescendo! The Power of Music”, to be released on Netflix in 2015, and has been noted in El Sistema pieces by PBS, ABC and CBS.

Ms. Desbordes holds multiple degrees in both conducting and trumpet from each of the following: Conservatoires de Musique Limoges, Bordeaux and Montreal. Her conducting teachers include Raffi Armenian and Gustav Meier.