Eric Mahl, newly named music director of the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra.

Connecticut’s Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra (RSO) has appointed Eric Mahl as music director. Having served as interim conductor for the RSO in the spring and fall of 2024, Mahl officially became music director on January 1, 2025. In addition to his position with the RSO, Mahl is music director of the Northport Symphony Orchestra (NY), Geneva Light Opera Company (NY), the Philharmonia Orchestra at Third Street (NY), and the Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra, as well orchestra director of the Charles Ives Music Festival (CT).  He is also the founder and music director of Orchestra One, a New York City-based community organization.  Mahl frequently conducts new-music ensembles in the Greater NYC area, including more than twenty world premieres, and has commissioned nine pieces for full orchestra, as well as premieres of fully staged operas, ballet, and small and large ensemble pieces. Mahl received his Bachelor of Music Degree from Ithaca College, and continued his studies at Universite de Montreal and the State University of New York at Fredonia. He plays trumpet and piano, and continues to perform in orchestral and chamber music programs.