Our People

Caitlin Martinkus

Executive Director

Caitlin Martinkus brings over a decade of experience as a performer, professor, and community-driven organizer to her role as executive director. She succeeds Trevor Thompson, who helped guide the orchestra through a vibrant chapter of artistic growth and community connection. Caitlin brings an exceptional blend of artistic insight, academic rigor, and visionary leadership to the role. A music theorist, educator, pianist, and french hornist, she holds a Ph.D. in Music Theory from the University of Toronto, an M.A. in Music Theory Pedagogy, and a B.M. in Performance from the Eastman School of Music. 

Alongside her work with PCO, Caitlin teaches music theory courses at Penn State, and is a founding member of Open the Gates Gaming—a research collective dedicated to increasing access to tabletop role playing games like Dungeons & Dragons. Her research centers musical form in the nineteenth century, with an eye towards the practices of lesser-known composers. Caitlin has held faculty positions at institutions including the Cleveland Institute of Music, Virginia Tech, the University of Notre Dame, and Georgia State University, and her scholarship has been published in top academic journals in the field of music theory.

As Executive Director, Dr. Martinkus will work with Music Director Gerardo Edelstein to shape future seasons, build strategic partnerships, and expand the orchestra’s community impact.