Phoebe Powell

Prior to joining Sarasota Orchestra, Phoebe Powell performed with the New World Symphony. Growing up, she had many ideas for where her career path might lead: "If you asked me when I was six, I would have said air hostess; at seven, I would have said police officer; at eight, a cattle rancher; and then when I was 16, I wanted to become a midwife, which I still would love to pursue one day." People are surprised to learn that Phoebe grew up down the road from a cattle ranch in Alberta and spent a large portion of her childhood there, herding cows on horseback. Another alternate career dream for Phoebe is to own a hobby farm with "too many chickens, goats, and a Jersey cow who I want to call Gertrude." She also happens to hold citizenships in England, Australia, and Canada!

Phoebe's favorite composer is Mahler. "The sound world of Mahler is like none other, and getting to be in that space is an experience that will never get old for me," she says. "There is joy, there is love, and grief that can be felt so deeply. I truly feel that Mahler shows us the human soul like none other."

When she's not performing or rehearsing, Phoebe likes to get out on her bike on the Legacy Trail, go for a walk along the beach, or take a really good book to a cafe or park.