James Fellenbaum

James Fellenbaum enjoys an extraordinarily diverse career as a conductor, equally at home with Symphonic music, Chamber Orchestra, Pops, Ballet, Opera, Choral-Orchestral, and Film with Live Orchestra.


The 2025-2026 season marks his eighth year as Music Director of the Brevard Philharmonic, NC. Concerts include Classical, Holiday, Pops, and Music in the Schools programs, which have been met with critical and popular acclaim.


James is the Resident Conductor of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra (KSO) having joined the organization in 2006. He conducts a variety of concerts with the KSO and has led the orchestra in a wide array of repertoire.


James is the Principal Guest Conductor with the longtime symphonic show Bugs Bunny at the Symphony. He has led the show with orchestras around the world, including recent engagements with the San Francisco Symphony, the Nashville Symphony, TN and the famous Hollywood Bowl Orchestra at the Hollywood Bowl.


James is the Director of Orchestras at the University of Tennessee (UT), a position he has held since 2003, as well as the Music Director of the Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestra Association, which consists of six orchestras, led by the Youth Orchestra, which he conducts.