Maestro Bahl’s Final Season as Music Director

After considerable thought, Maestro Ankush Kumar Bahl has decided that the 2024/25 concert season will be his final season as Music Director of the Omaha Symphony. He will lead the 24/25 season as planned and will serve as Artistic Partner for the Omaha Symphony in 2025/26 as the orchestra searches for new artistic leadership.

“While my time in Omaha has been incredibly rewarding, both artistically and personally, I have decided to step down as Music Director of the Omaha Symphony at the end of this 24/25 season. I will miss my friends in the orchestra, the administration, and the community immensely, but this decision will allow me to be more present with my family in Washington DC, as my children go through a crucial time in their schooling and development. However, I am very excited to continue our musical relationship and return to Omaha with the title of Artistic Partner for the 2025-26 season.” – Ankush Bahl

Jennifer Boomgaarden Daoud, President & CEO of the Omaha Symphony, expressed gratitude for all that Maestro Bahl has accomplished during his tenure: “Joining us in the Omaha Symphony’s 100th year, Maestro Bahl has led us boldly into our second century! In addition to creating exciting and innovative concert experiences, recruiting 13 new musicians, establishing the popular post-concert After Hours series, introducing internationally renowned guest artists, and leading the orchestra in free outdoor concerts for tens of thousands of people in our community, Maestro Bahl has conducted five World Premiere compositions in Omaha – including Andy Akiho’s Sculptures, with a live recording that went on to earn three GRAMMY nominations.

“We know this was a very difficult decision for Maestro Bahl to make, but we also understand that his top priority is taking care of his family and being a good dad to his two young boys. We are grateful that he will serve as Music Director throughout the 2024/25 season and as Artistic Partner in 2025/26 as we undertake the search for his successor.”

Join Maestro Bahl for a season of memorable experiences, including the celebration of the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue on September 20-21. This all-American program also features William Grant Still’s Symphony No. 1, Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, and a new work from pianist and composer Conrad Tao.

Next, he’s ushering in the orchestra’s return to the redesigned Joslyn Art Museum on October 6, which features the incredible Symphony No. 8 by Maestro’s favorite composer, Ludwig von Beethoven.

Then on October 25-26, Maestro Bahl leads the orchestra in a beautifully programmed concert, highlighted by an immersive experience he spearheaded with renowned designer Doug Fitch, that treats the audience to an innovative visual experience set to selections from Benjamin Britten’s evocative opera Peter Grimes.

Our much-beloved Music Director has an extraordinary season planned for this community, complete with exciting music, dynamic guest artists, and new experiences that should not be missed. Come celebrate the Maestro with us!