When he’s not in Bear Valley, Alexander is the Music Director of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and Artist-in-Residence with the University of Central Oklahoma. With the OKC Phil, he is building a reputation for creating uniquely tailored programs that attract new audiences.

Under his leadership, the organization has expanded its artistic horizons, increased the number of onstage and city-wide collaborations, commissioned works commemorating significant events and anniversaries, and completed its first-ever recording project with the international Naxos label.

In his new position with the University of Central Oklahoma, he is passionate about working with the next generation of musicians as music director of the University of Central Oklahoma Symphony.

Originally from Germany, Mickelthwate is also Music Director Emeritus of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra in Canada. In his twelve years in Winnipeg, he played a pivotal role in the rejuvenation and turnaround of the Winnipeg Symphony, which culminated in a highly successful and critically acclaimed performance at Carnegie Hall in May 2014. He previously served as Assistant Conductor of the Atlanta Symphony and Associate Conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic under the direction of Esa-Pekka Salonen.