Out of Place, On Purpose
Our Mission
Bridge Ensemble aims to bring contemporary and classical music to communities across Michigan, performing in both urban and rural spaces where people live and gather. We seek to champion Michigan composers and premiere their works, enriching our state's musical vitality while building bridges between audiences, artists, and traditions.
Our Vision
We see a Michigan where amazing musical experiences happen everywhere — not just in concert halls, but in the heart of every community. A place where music surprises and delights people in unexpected spaces, and where local composers find eager audiences ready to embrace their work. We're helping build a future where Michigan stands out as a leader in contemporary and classical music, enriching our shared culture and inspiring new generations to create, perform, and fall in love with music.
Our Values
Innovation. We embrace both tradition and innovation, believing that classical music is a living, breathing art form that continues to evolve. We actively seek out and champion new voices while honoring our musical history.
Accessibility. We believe great music belongs everywhere and to everyone. We're committed to breaking down barriers — physical, cultural, and economic — that traditionally limit access to classical music.
Community Connection. We value deep relationships with our communities and believe music creates meaningful bonds between people. Every performance is an opportunity to strengthen these connections.
Artistic Excellence. While we prioritize accessibility, we never compromise on artistic quality. We believe audiences everywhere deserve powerful, skillfully crafted musical experiences.
Our Team
Josh Tobias
Artistic & Executive Director
Joshua Tobias is a conductor working out of Metro Detroit. Equally at home in both standard repertoire and contemporary music, he has conducted multiple world and regional premieres of works by composers such as Andrew Crawford, Hamed Erfani, Emma Neasby, and Shuy Yung-Li. Josh served as Assistant Music Director for Oklahoma City University's 2023, award-winning, production of Sweeney Todd. Josh earned a Bachelor of Music, majoring in trombone performance, from Oakland University in Rochester, MI. In 2024, he earned his Master of Music degree in Orchestral Conducting from Oklahoma City University. In his free time, Josh enjoys cooking, spending time in nature, and making visual art.
Antonio Caballero
Director of Artistic Programs & Education
Contemporary composer Antonio Caballero performs and teaches music in beautiful Marquette,
MI. His work is inspired by the natural world, as well as our interactions within it and with one
another. Studying under various piano mentors, Antonio studied the works of many master
composers, learning standard keyboard repertoire as well as composing his own works for
performances throughout his college years. After receiving his baccalaureate degree in Music
Education, Antonio moved to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, in search of creative freedom
and solace. In addition to his composing and teaching, he stays active with various forms of self
expression, including writing both poetry and fiction.
Lily Tobias
Director of Communications & Artist Relations
Lily Tobias is a writer from Fenton, Michigan. Her poetry has been published in Rockvale Review, Midway Journal, Lucky Jefferson, The Dewdrop, Anacapa Review, Third Wednesday, and elsewhere. In 2023, her poem "Strawberry Interlude" was shown at the Paseo Arts Association Small Art Show. Lily will be an Artist in Residence on Mackinac Island in September, 2026. She holds a Master of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from Oakland University. Outside of writing, Lily enjoys going for walks, making art, dancing, and drinking tea.
Kristin Ball
Director of Operations & Development
Kristin Ball is a management professional and operations specialist based in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science & Urban Planning from the University of Michigan-Flint, where she developed a keen interest in the systems that shape how communities grow and thrive. That foundation in structural thinking and sustainability informs her work at Bridge Ensemble, where she brings organizational precision and a strategic eye to logistics, fundraising, partnerships, and finance. Outside of her role at BE, Kristin manages a print shop, overseeing day-to-day operations with the same care and attention she brings to everything she does. In her free time, she enjoys knitting, baking, gardening, and spending time with her cat.
