Artistic and
Administrative Team
Emily Isaacson
Artistic Director
Dr. Emily Isaacson is a conductor fiercely committed to reimagining classical music for today’s audience. She is founder and artistic director of Classical Uprising, a performing arts company that believes classical music must rise up, challenge current norms, and re-envision where, how, and for whom we are making music. Classical Uprising serves over 4,000 musicians and music lovers through its programs Oratorio Chorale, a symphonic chorus; Portland Bach Experience, a series of immersive music festivals; and Horizon Voices, a youth choral program for singers K-12.
One of only a handful of female conductors (and moms) in the country, Isaacson was named the 2018 Maine Artist of the Year by the Maine Arts Commission, one of 50 Mainers Leading the State by Maine Magazine, and the 2018 face of Maine’s Women’s Work. In 2008 Isaacson helped to launch Roomful of Teeth, a GRAMMY-winning new vocal music ensemble, and in 2015 and 2018 won third place in the American Prize in Choral Conducting. She has taught at Clark University, Bowdoin College, and the University of Illinois. A St. Andrews Society Scholar, Isaacson holds a master’s degree in musicology from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland; a master’s degree in conducting from the University of Oregon; and a doctorate in conducting from the University of Illinois. She lives in Portland, ME, with her husband, daughter, and son. View Emily’s Professional Website.
Scott Wheatley
Assistant Music Director
Baritone Scott Wheatley, a native of Kansas, holds degrees from the University of Missouri/Kansas City Conservatory of Music and the University of South Florida. He has performed with the Kansas City Lyric Opera, New York City Opera, Whitewater Opera, Bronx Opera, Sarasota Opera, Opera Northeast, Connecticut Grand Opera, and the Ashlawn Summer Festival companies as well as the New York Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra and San Francisco Symphony.
Currently, Scott is on faculty at the University of Southern Maine and is the assistant music director for the Oratorio Chorale. In addition to a busy singing and teaching schedule, Scott enjoys an active career as a coach/accompanist collaborating with both singers and instrumentalists.
Meagan Brus
Program director
Meagan Brus is an artistic administrator with experience in marketing, event planning, project management, and content production. As a vocalist specializing in contemporary music, Meagan has premiered over three dozen works by living composers and can be heard on nine albums. She holds an M.M. from Manhattan School of Music and a B.M. from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music.
Julia Dilger
BUSINESS MANAGER
Julia Dilger is a former elementary school teacher and brewery owner with experience in managing events, finances, and people. She comes to Classical Uprising through her childrens’ participation in Horizon Voices youth choirs. Julia has a B.A. in Psychology from Vassar College and a M.Ed. from Teacher’s College at Columbia University.