Grammy Award-winner Jeff Tyzik is one of America’s most innovative and sought-after pops conductors. Tyzik is recognized for his brilliant arrangements, original programming, and engaging rapport with audiences of all ages. In addition to his role as Principal Pops Conductor of the DSO, Tyzik holds The Dot and Paul Mason Principal Pops Conductor’s Podium at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and also serves as principal pops conductor of the Oregon Symphony, Florida Orchestra, and Rochester Philharmonic – a post he has held for 23 seasons. 

Frequently invited as a guest conductor, Tyzik has appeared with the Boston Pops, Cincinnati Pops, Milwaukee Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Toronto Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Royal Scottish National Orchestra. In May 2007, the Harmonia Mundi label released his recording of works by Gershwin with pianist Jon Nakamatsu and the RPO, which stayed in the Top 10 on the Billboard classical chart for over three months. Alex Ross of the New Yorker called it “one of the snappiest Gershwin discs in years.” 

Committed to performing music of all genres, Tyzik has collaborated with such diverse artists as Megan Hilty, Chris Botti, Matthew Morrison, Wynonna Judd, Tony Bennett, Art Garfunkel, Dawn Upshaw, Marilyn Horne, Arturo Sandoval, The Chieftains, Mark O’Connor, Doc Severinsen, and John Pizzarelli. He has created numerous original programs that include the greatest music from jazz and classical to Motown, Broadway, film, dance, Latin, and swing. Tyzik holds Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the Eastman School of Music. For more information, visit jefftyzik.com. 

With her engaging stage presence and alto vocals, it didn't take long for singer/songwriter Emily West to get a foothold in Nashville's country music scene. The youngest of four children, West was born in Waterloo, Iowa, where she discovered Patsy Cline at a young age and began taking voice lessons from a local rock singer. Inspired to pursue a career in country music, she began making regular trips to Nashville and worked to finish high school early. She graduated in 2000 and quickly moved to Nashville, where she signed a publishing deal with the local Warner-Chapell company and caught the ear of producer Mike Dungan, who signed her to Capitol Records Nashville. A self-titled four-song EP was released via the Internet in late 2007, and the debut single "Rocks in Your Shoes" hit the Billboard country charts in 2008. In 2010, she charted again with "Blue Sky," a duet with Keith Urban, and a second EP, I Hate You I Love You, arrived in 2011. After a few television appearances, including a 2012 episode of the ABC drama Body of Proof, West competed in the 2014 season of the NBC talent show America's Got Talent, where she performed covers of hit songs ranging from Sia's "Chandelier" to the Moody Blues's "Nights in White Satin" before finishing as runner-up. The exposure led to a record deal with Sony Masterworks, which released her official full-length debut, All for You, in August 2015. Trading country for a more classic pop vocalist delivery, the album included studio versions of her covers from the talent show, as well as a duet version of "True Colors" with Cyndi Lauper and four original tunes.

A dynamic performing artist and songwriter, Rick Brantley has toured the world with artists including John Hiatt, Kiefer Sutherland, Zac Brown, and Brandy Clark, as well as headlining his own solo shows. Brantley continues to add to his impressive portfolio, producing acclaimed records with artists like Rob Baird and Justin Halpin, and directing music videos in his down time.