06/09/2026
🌟Everett Philharmonic Orchestra is very happy to present Bobby Collins as New Music Director
Following a year-long search, the Everett Philharmonic Orchestra has selected Bobby Collins as its next Music Director, marking the first leadership transition in the orchestra's artistic direction since its founding. Collins won out over 20 other applicants and rose to the top during a season in which the Everett Philharmonic saw three finalists conduct the orchestra. Collins is the successor to Dr. Paul-Elliot Cobbs, who founded the Everett Philharmonic in 2010 and built it up from a small community orchestra into Snohomish County’s only professional orchestra.
General Manager Steven Morgan said, "Bobby differentiated himself from the other candidates through his warm and engaging rapport with both musicians and audiences. The board was also greatly impressed by his artistic vision for the ensemble."
Bobby Collins is a Puget Sound native and got his start in music playing French horn and singing. In 2015, Collins co-founded the Seattle-based Sound Ensemble. In 2023, he was appointed assistant conductor of the Yakima Symphony, where in addition to his other duties he regularly conducts educational concerts for young audiences. Collins also served as Associate Conductor of Seattle Opera and conducted an album with the London Symphony Orchestra.
After his appointment, Bobby Collins said, “I am overjoyed to join the Everett Philharmonic Orchestra as the new Music Director and honored to be trusted with the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Dr. Cobbs, a great leader and profound contributor to our community and musical landscape. As a father of two young children, I’m eager to engage deeply with our community as we share music and enrich the artistic life of Snohomish County.”
Bobby Collins will lead the Everett Philharmonic in its 16th season in a series of four concerts. In October he will conduct the recently popular Danzon No. 2 and Sibelius’s second symphony. In November, Collins plans to continue the tradition of audience participation in the orchestra’s lively family concert. February 2027 will see the return of the annual Mozart-themed concert, but with a twist. In addition to the great composer’s Piano Concerto in D-minor, Collins will conduct Poulenc’s Sinfonietta, a composition that reimagines what Mozart would sound like if he was French and living in the 20th century. Finally, Collins will close out the season with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9.
Stephanie Noble-Weed, President of the Everett Philharmonic’s Board of Trustees, said of the new appointment and upcoming season, “I am delighted to welcome Bobby Collins to our podium as Conductor. He brings forth much enthusiasm and energy towards the wellbeing and growth of the Everett Philharmonic Orchestra. I am excited to work with him on the board and as an orchestra member as we grow in many positive directions.”
The Everett Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 2010 by Dr. Paul-Elliot Cobbs and former members of the Everett Symphony. The founders worked to bring live, symphonic experiences performed by professional musicians to Everett and the surrounding communities of Snohomish County. The orchestra continues this work through partnerships with local foundations, businesses, schools and other arts organizations.
