William Cabison

Hometown:

Los Angeles, California

Education:

UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music Other Bachelor of Arts  2017
Mannes School of Music Master of Music 2023

Bio:

William Cabison’s roles include Conducting Fellow at the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Assistant Music Director at New York University, and Guest Conductor at Mannes Opera. They have guest conducted at Lincoln Center, as well as with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and received the Carl Schachter Award in Conducting from the Mannes School of Music and the Dean’s Medal from UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music.

What inspired you to become a musician?

Drawn to the collaborative effort in orchestral conducting and its ability to transform audiences, I pursued conducting. I learned how the conductor's inspiration and vision are shared nonverbally with performers in rehearsals and then with the audience during performances. I see both rehearsals and performances as a way to make a small impact on the world, offering performers and audience members a chance to see something differently. Sometimes it's temporary, sometimes it's long-lasting, and you never know what it will be. But it's so rewarding when it's the latter. That's why I perform every chance I get.

Name your favorite composers and/or pieces:

One of my all-time favorite pieces is Der Rosenkavalier by Richard Strauss. The libretto by Hugo von Hofmannsthal is brilliant, and Strauss's composition and orchestration are exceptional. I love its queer-coding, and its blend of satire, comedy, and profound emotion.

What is an interesting fact about you and/or your instrument?

As a Virgo, I enjoy creating color-coded spreadsheets of the formal structure of the works I'm performing. This ensures I've internalized the piece on both large and small scales.

When taking a break from music-making, what is your favorite thing to do?

When I take a break from music-making, I love going for a run. It’s a great way to stay healthy, be outdoors, and enjoy the company of friends if they join.

Why did you choose the NRO?

I chose the National Repertory Orchestra for its dedication to nurturing future orchestral leaders and its dynamic performance opportunities. The NRO Resident Conducting Fellowship offers generous conducting opportunities, collaboration with talented musicians from across the country, and the chance to work with renowned guest artists. Their focus on performing works by underrepresented composers and their community engagement initiatives align with my commitment to inclusivity and making a positive impact through music.