2023 40 Under 40: Erin E. Plisco

This summer, Erin E. Plisco will perform with the Missouri State Choral Union at the prestigious Carnegie Hall concert venue.

Plisco, 36, says securing this “life-changing experience for our students and community members” is her proudest accomplishment. And she had many to choose from.

The associate director of choral studies at MSU is one of six American conductors selected for the International Conductors Exchange Program. She’ll travel to Germany this summer to work with musical organizations and will also host German conductors in Springfield.

Her career has allowed her the opportunity to direct many choirs internationally. In summer 2024, Plisco says she’ll conduct music festivals in Austria, Bulgaria and Italy.

At MSU, the choral program has grown from 40 members when she joined the staff in 2018 to 110 members in fall 2022, and Plisco’s colleagues credit her for much of the growth. She also developed a new choral ensemble last year, the Collegiate Singers.

She was recently appointed to the American Choral Directors Association board and has been commissioned by Oxford University Press to write a book on teaching.

Favorite TV show? “The Office.”

Favorite hobby or creative outlet? Going to Orange Theory and hiking.

Favorite food item or drink to order in the Springfield area? Anything from Everyday Thai or a gin martini from The Order.