Artistic Staff & Board

Dr. Brett Robison is a distinguished conductor, educator, and nonprofit arts leader who is excited and humbled to begin his work as the Artistic and Executive Director of Great River Chorale. With more than twenty-five years of experience conducting choirs and orchestras of all ages and ability levels, he is widely recognized for his ability to inspire musicians, cultivate artistic excellence, and build meaningful connections through music.

In addition to his artistic leadership, Brett brings extensive executive experience in the performing arts. He has served as Executive Director of Friends of Chamber Music Kansas City and the Topeka Symphony Orchestra, where he led strategic growth, strengthened financial sustainability, and expanded community engagement. He also founded a multi-generational nonprofit music organization, Scottsdale Musical Arts, dedicated to ensemble music-making and arts education.

Brett’s career began in education, where he spent nearly a decade as a public-school music educator in Minnesota, Iowa, and Arizona. He later served as Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choirs at Viterbo University, mentoring young musicians and future educators. He remains active as a clinician and guest conductor for choirs and festivals across the country. Deeply committed to the role of music in community life, Brett has also served as a church musician throughout the Midwest and Southwest. Most recently, he has served as Director of the Trinity Choir at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mission, Kansas.

Brett holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Luther College, a Master of Music in Conducting from the University of New Mexico, a Master of Business Administration from Viterbo University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from the University of Arizona. Brett is married to Jennaya Robison, the Artistic Director of the National Lutheran Choir, and has three adult children and two grandchildren.