Stephan Fillare | Biography
Stephan Fillare has built a distinguished career as a conductor, educator, and advocate for musical excellence. With a broad range of engagements across the United States, Stephan’s work spans symphonic, operatic, and educational platforms, making him a respected leader in the musical community.
Education
Stephan earned his Master of Arts in Instrumental Conducting from the Aaron Copland School of Music in 2014, studying under Maurice Peress and Anthony Hose. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from Stetson University, where he studied violin under the guidance of Routa Kroumovitch-Gomez. Stephan is currently pursuing his Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Orchestral Conducting at the College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has completed his coursework and is in progress for the final stages of the degree under the mentorship of Mark Gibson.
Current Role
Stephan serves as the Director of Orchestral Activities at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. In this role, he leads the Furman Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Ensembles, conducting both orchestral and operatic performances. He is also deeply involved in teaching conducting and coaching honors quartets, fostering the next generation of musicians and conductors. Stephan’s leadership at Furman emphasizes artistic excellence, inclusivity, and mentorship, with a focus on developing students' musicianship and collaborative skills.
Notable Conducting Engagements
Carolina Youth Symphony – Currently serving as an Artistic Director Candidate, Stephan is conducting a concert on May 4, 2025, while actively mentoring and rehearsing with the orchestra. His work reflects a deep commitment to youth engagement and musical development in South Carolina.
Berlin Opera Academy (Germany) – Served as Assistant Conductor for a 2024 production of Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro. Stephan played an integral role in the rehearsal process—coaching singers, conducting staging rehearsals, and leading the orchestra in both rehearsals and performances. His work reflected a strong commitment to operatic excellence and international collaboration.
NMEA Division 5 String Orchestra (NY) – Guest conductor for the 2024 festival, leading top high school string students from Long Island in a performance emphasizing technical refinement and expressive interpretation.
International Summer Opera Festival of Morelia (Mexico) – Assistant Conductor in Summer 2023, supporting Maestro Jorge Parodi in a critically acclaimed production of Puccini’s La Bohème.
New Haven Symphony Orchestra – As the inaugural Harmony Conducting Fellow, Stephan conducted a Young People’s Concert featuring the works of Gabriela Lena Frank and John Williams. He returned in March 2023 to lead performances of Arturo Márquez's Danzón No. 2.
New Camerata Opera (NYC) – Conducted a double bill of John Blow’s Venus & Adonis and Gustav Holst’s Savitri.
Manhattan Opera Studio (NYC) – Guest conductor for productions of Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro and Die Zauberflöte.
New Amsterdam Symphony Orchestra (NYC) – Guest conductor for performances with this long-established community ensemble based in Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
Community Engagement & Education
Stephan is deeply committed to community engagement and music education. He has served as a Guest Clinician for various regional programs, including his recent work with the District Five Orchestra in South Carolina. During the pandemic, he also participated in the New Haven Symphony Orchestra’s "Listening Club", maintaining strong connections with the community and engaging in discussions with Music Director Alasdair Neale and Pops Conductor Chelsea Tipton II. Stephan also regularly speaks with students about the role of the conductor and the journey of becoming a professional musician, particularly through Young People’s Concerts, where he introduces young audiences to the world of orchestral music.
Personal Background
Originally from Orlando, Florida, Stephan’s early exposure to music fueled his lifelong passion for conducting and performance. Today, he continues to inspire students and audiences alike with his commitment to excellence in both education and performance.