Who We Are

Our purpose is connecting people through music.

And for people to really feel connected, they need to be able to participate. That’s why everything we do—whether it’s broadening minds, easing pain or building communities—is designed to make music with the people we reach rather than simply for them. And we’re reaching far and wide. Join us on the journey this season to

See Music Transform.

  • We value the transformative potential and collaborative nature of music.

  • We value a collective approach to artistic creation and decision-making, and we actively engage in dialogue with our partners and audiences to determine programming.

  • We value intentional collaboration with communities across the greater Memphis area and artists representing every genre and discipline.

  • We value artistic excellence in our musicians and collaborators.

  • We value moving past creative and societal divisions to embrace artistic expressions that are inclusive, exciting, and celebrate the landscape of Greater Memphis.

  • We value shared leadership between our musicians, staff and board.

  • We value equitable practices across the organization.

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Mission & Vision

Iris Collective creates connection and transformation through music and partnership across Greater Memphis.

Our vision is a Memphis where music unites people, strengthens communities, and inspires a more compassionate future.

Then & Now

Iris Collective launched in 2022 with the desire to be eye-opening and more expansive in the world of orchestral and chamber music experiences. Our roots in this area, however, run deep. Iris Orchestra began in September 2000 as a bold experiment, founded by Michael Stern and Albert Pertalion in partnership with the City of Germantown. Iris Orchestra, under the direction of conductor Michael Stern, created an innovative model for American orchestras focusing on flexibility, non-hierarchy, and unrelenting passion for the highest standards of performance. The organization eventually transitioned from a municipally funded orchestra to an independent nonprofit funded primarily by private contributions and institutional grants.

Building on that legacy of radical innovation, this new iteration maintains Iris’ original mission to serve the community with the gift of exceptional music but shifts into an artist collective model to deepen shared artistic experiences with various constituents in the community. Iris Collective will fully explore the possibilities created when shared artistic experience combines with community interest.

Iris Staff

  • Rebecca Arendt

    Executive Director

  • Mary Javian

    Artistic & Strategic Advisor

  • Katie Hook

    Operations & Production Manager

  • Alexandre Negrao

    Iris Artist Fellow

  • Roberta dos Santos

    Iris Artist Fellow

Board of Directors

Dr. James (Bo) Adams, Chair

Kimberly Eason, Vice Chair

Julie Acosta

Dr. P Joan Chesney

Mitchell Dean

Ted Kitai

Dr. Thomas Ratliff

Meryl Shahun Rosen

Dr. Fedoria Rugless

Shelley Shanaman

Caen Thomason-Redus

Brody Wamble

Cordell Walker, In Memoriam