Sphere Staff
Alex Vittal, Executive Director, Arranger, Violist
I have been involved with Sphere Ensemble since the second ever concert, back in 2011, when I joined as a violist. I began arranging music for Sphere in 2012, and have arranged over 100 works for Sphere as of August 2026. I began my role as Executive Director in 2017. I am inspired by my work with Sphere because the gates that keep classical music traditions and expectations in order are flung wide open with Sphere, allowing me to think way outside of the box about creating programs and experiences with music that are fresh, thought-provoking, moving, and lots of fun. The fact that we have built a dedicated core of outstanding musicians who are equally invested in this approach to music making is a joyful proclamation that we are building something very special and meaningful for ourselves, our community partners, and our audiences. The most meaningful part of working towards Sphere's mission is watching how all the months of planning, arranging, and dreaming coalesce over the course of just a few days to create powerful moments of deep humanity, feeling, community, and connection between audience members and musicians in every venue and setting.
Outside of Sphere Ensemble, I am a member of the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra and Baroque Chamber Orchestra of Colorado. I have also arranged music for the Omaha Symphony Orchestra, Tangozo (traditional Argentine tango ensemble), and the Baroque Chamber Orchestra of Colorado, including an acclaimed rendition of J.S. Bach’s monumental Goldberg Variations for Baroque orchestra, available on Navona Records. I am also a dedicated music educator, currently teaching private violin and viola lessons, beginning group strings classes for middle and high schoolers, and as a chamber music coach with El Sistema Colorado, a position I've held since 2012. When I'm not planning a Sphere concert, I can be found out for a run, baking naturally leavened bread, or spending time with my two kids.
Alejandro Gómez Guillén, Music Director
I am inspired by my work with Sphere because it gives music permission to be fearless — to cross genres, surprise audiences, and mean something beyond the concert hall. I have been part of the Sphere family since 2018, and serving as Music Director has been one of the most creatively fulfilling parts of my career. Beyond Sphere, I serve as Director of Orchestras at Arizona State University, where I lead one of the nation's largest collegiate orchestral programs. I have conducted orchestras across the United States and abroad, among them the Phoenix Symphony, Orlando Philharmonic, Virginia Symphony, Illinois Symphony, and Orquesta Filarmónica de Bogotá, and have held positions with the Omaha Symphony, Bloomington Symphony Orchestra, and Fort Worth Symphony. I am passionate about championing diverse repertoire — highlights include the Grammy-nominated premiere of Andy Akiho's Sculptures, the Indiana premiere of Florence Price's Symphony No. 4, and the Arizona collegiate premiere of William Dawson's Negro Folk Symphony. The most meaningful part of Sphere's mission to me is the human connection at the heart of it all: finding people where they are, defying expectations of what a string ensemble can look and feel like, and making music alongside extraordinary colleagues and friends who share that same belief that music belongs to everyone. When I'm not planning a Sphere concert, you'll find me on a trail run, singing at the top of my lungs, or finding any excuse to share music with the people around me.
Jesse Werner, Creative Director
I am continually inspired by my work with Sphere Ensemble because I have the opportunity to plan, design, facilitate, and create the thousand tiny pieces that come together to form an entire Sphere season. I love being part of the process that happens behind the scenes—developing ideas, shaping experiences, solving problems, and helping turn creative visions into meaningful performances. There are countless ways our musicians use their talents to connect with and inspire audiences, and I feel incredibly grateful to play a role in creating the space and opportunities for those moments to happen.
Outside of Sphere Ensemble, I am a massage therapist, a mother to two wonderful children, and a student. Each of these roles brings a different kind of creativity, connection, and perspective to my life, and I value the balance they provide. When I am not dreaming up ideas or working on designs and details for Sphere, I love to read, run, hike, camp, and seek out a really good cup of coffee. I am happiest when I am creating something, learning something new, spending time with people I love, or finding a little adventure in the everyday.
Jessica Mays, Development and Administrative Manager
I am inspired by my work with Sphere because of the ensemble’s commitment to creating meaningful connections in our community through music while making the string ensemble experience feel fresh, adventurous, and welcoming. I believe ensembles like Sphere create a rare kind of space, one where we can experience music together, connect with one another, and feel something larger than ourselves. I believe that shared emotional experience connects us to our humanity, and it’s been my life’s work to explore all the ways we can nurture and sustain that beautiful space. I love chatting with patrons and donors about what makes this kind of experience meaningful to them and finding ways that we can, together, nurture and grow the potential of that space.
I have been working with Sphere Ensemble since 2025, supporting the organization’s administrative and development efforts. I’m also a professional composer and musician, with an extensive background in arts administration, leadership, and education, having worked with organizations including the Colorado Symphony, Denver’s Playground Ensemble, Denver Art Museum, and the New York Philharmonic. As a composer, I have a long history of collaborating with soloists, ensembles, and orchestras, with premieres at venues including Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center.
When I’m not planning a Sphere concert, I love playing piano, hiking, field recording, gardening, and nerding out over the stories behind paintings at the Denver Art Museum.
Interested in supporting Sphere? Visit https://www.sphereensemble.org/donate or drop me an email at jessica@sphereensemble.org.
For more about my work as a composer, visit jessmaysmusic.com
