Nebraska’s Omaha Symphony Music Director to Step Down

Ankush Kumar Bahl will be stepping down following the orchestra’s 2024/25 concert season

The Omaha Symphony’s upcoming season will be the Indian-American conductor Ankush Kumar Bahl’s last as Music Director. From September 2025, he will serve as Artistic Partner of the orchestra during its search for new artistic leadership.

Bahl was first appointed Music Director of Omaha Symphony in July 2021, succeeding Thomas Wilkins, who had led the ensemble since 2004.

A graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, Bahl previously served as the Assistant Conductor of the National Symphony in Washington, D.C., and the Orchestre National de France.

During his tenure at Omaha Symphony, he developed new concert experiences, recruited 13 new musicians, established the post-concert After Hours series, introduced internationally renowned guest artists to the ensemble, and led a number of free outdoor concerts for tens of thousands of people.

Additionally, Bahl conducted five world premiere compositions in Omaha, including Andy Akiho’s Sculptures, with a live recording that earned three GRAMMY nominations.

Bahl’s upcoming projects include celebrating the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue on September 20–21, 2024, with an all-American program including William Grant Still’s Symphony No. 1, Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, and a new work from pianist and composer Conrad Tao.

On October 6, he will return to the Joslyn Art Museum to conduct Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8, and on October 25–26, Bahl will lead an immersive experience created with renowned designer Doug Fitch, which will involve a visual experience set to selections from Britten’s opera Peter Grimes.

“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 2024/25 season,” Bahl said in a statement. “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.”

“Joining us in the Omaha Symphony’s 100th year, Maestro Bahl has led us boldly into our second century!” added Omaha Symphony’s President and CEO Jennifer Boomgaarden Daoud. “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.”

“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!”