Dr. Michael Rogers is pleased to join the ensemble as guest conductor for the IPO Holiday Festival: A Celebration of Voice & Music. A multifaceted musician, Dr. Rogers has served as a conductor, teacher, administrator, researcher, and church musician, bringing a deep commitment to musical excellence and community engagement to every role.

Dr. Rogers has worked with musicians of all ages and backgrounds and has held positions with the Park Forest Conservatory, University of Chicago and Laboratory Schools, Northwestern University, Roosevelt University, Elmhurst College, Governors State University, and Homewood-Flossmoor High School where he directed triennial student orchestra performance tours in the Pacific, Europe, and South America. His work reflects a strong belief in collaboration, curiosity, and the shared joy of music-making.

In addition to concert work, Dr. Rogers has served as a church musician at Pilgrim Faith UCC (Oak Lawn) and Flossmoor Community Church, where he finds meaning in music’s ability to support worship, reflection, and connection. His research interests include polychoral music, music reading, and music and the brain. He is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and to share music with the community.

"It is an honor and personal thrill to have the opportunity to conduct Leroy Anderson’s classic music through the encouragement and generosity of Michael Greer.  Sleigh Ride is a familiar sound memory that dates to colonial America and a continuing traditional winter outdoor experience of the cold and snow."