Chris Dollesin
Research  |  2025-26

Poland

Chris Dollesin graduated from UNM in 2025 with a master's degree in Wind Conducting. He was awarded a Fulbright to Poland to explore the intersection of Polish theatre, mime, and conducting. He is a conductor and saxophonist based in Albuquerque, N.M., and began his conducting journey in Boston, Mass., as a student conductor with the Charles River Wind Ensemble. He studied conducting with Professor Emily Moss, Ph.D., and saxophone with Ashley Kelly, Ph.D., and Professor Jamie Warren at UNM.

In 2023, Dollesin was selected as one of 24 semifinalists in the Warsaw Wind Band Conducting Competition in Warsaw, Poland. In 2024, he performed with the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Youth Wind Orchestra in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Dollesin participates in conducting symposia nationwide, working with renowned conductors such as Eugene Corporon, Craig Kirchhoff, Allan McMurray, and Ray Cramer. He has also guest-conducted the Santa Fe-based Endless Summer Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his musical pursuits, Dollesin serves in the U.S. Air Force and actively explores the intersection of science, technology and the arts.

“Receiving a Fulbright to Poland is an incredible opportunity for me to connect the worlds of theatre and mime with classical music. I am always exploring new ways to approach my work as a conductor. Poland has a rich and long theatrical tradition, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to learn from the leading minds of the Polish arts community. I am also thrilled to get the chance to connect the musical cultures of the US and Poland and am looking forward to connecting with my Polish musical counterparts," said Dollesin.