Omaha Symphony Music Director Ankush Kumar Bahl.
In Saturday’s (9/7) Omaha World-Herald, Betsie Freeman writes, “Omaha Symphony Music Director Ankush Kumar Bahl announced Friday that he will resign next spring. He plans to complete the 2024-25 season with the symphony, which begins Sept. 20 with a concert celebrating the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin’s masterpiece Rhapsody in Blue and ends with a MasterWorks concert on May 30, 2025. He said he will have a reduced role with the orchestra as Artistic Partner in the 2025-2026 season as symphony leaders search for his successor. Bahl said he wants to spend more time with his family, including twin sons, in Washington, D.C. He became the Omaha Symphony’s music director-designate in 2020 [following] longtime Music Director Thomas Wilkins … Bahl took over in the 2021-22 season…. ‘This decision will allow me to be more present … as my children go through a crucial time in their schooling and development,’ Bahl said … Bahl has made significant contributions, said symphony President and CEO Jennifer Boomgaarden Daoud. He recruited 13 new musicians, created the popular post-concert After Hours series and introduced internationally renowned guest artists … And, she added, ‘Maestro Bahl has conducted five world-premiere compositions in Omaha.’ ”
