The Great Falls Symphony is thrilled to announce Robert Kahn as its next Music Director. After two seasons dedicated to the search process, 230 applications reviewed, and six outstanding finalists welcomed to Great Falls, Maestro Kahn was selected to lead the Symphony into its next era of artistic excellence and community connection.
Throughout his residency week in Great Falls, Maestro Kahn worked closely with the orchestra, choir, staff, board, and community members, making an immediate impression through his musicianship, leadership, and collaborative spirit. Our orchestra, choir, staff, and board are excited to officially welcome Maestro Kahn and look forward to the artistic vision, energy, and leadership he will bring to the organization and community in the years ahead.
Following his selection as the next Music Director of the Great Falls Symphony, Maestro Kahn shared his excitement for the upcoming season:
“I am deeply honored and excited to join the Great Falls community as incoming Music Director this season. From the very first moments of my visit, I felt that we were embarking on something very special. Whether it was connecting with the wonderful musicians of the orchestra and chorus, meeting so many audience members after the concert, or even being warmly greeted by people who stopped me on the street and at Luna Coffee Bar, I felt an immediate and genuine sense of welcome. It is rare to encounter a place where music and community are so deeply valued, and I finished my week in Great Falls feeling both inspired and very much at home.
Beyond the music we will share, what excites me most is the future we will build together. During my time in Great Falls, I sensed a feeling expressed by the musicians, staff, and audience: an eagerness to grow and a belief in what this orchestra can become. I see tremendous potential – to grow artistically, to deepen our connections, and to expand our reach throughout the community. In a world that can at times feel disconnected and overwhelming, music has a unique power to unite, inspire, and nourish the spirit. I warmly invite you to join us for this exciting season ahead, and I hope you’ll come say hello, whether in the concert hall or on the street.”
Executive Director, Hillary Shepherd, also shared her enthusiasm and anticipation:
“I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Robert Kahn as the next Music Director of the Great Falls Symphony. Robert connected immediately with our musicians, our audience, our staff, and our community, and he brought out a renewed sense of energy, excellence, and possibility in everyone around him.
What stood out to me was not only his artistry and musical leadership, but his extraordinary energy and generosity of spirit. Throughout the search process, we intentionally packed each candidate’s week with rehearsals, meetings, community events, and, of course, a performance, because we wanted to see how they would engage with the full life of this organization. Robert never once seemed tired. In fact, he told us we could have given him more to do – and I believe him! By the end of the week, many downtown business owners knew him by name because he had used his downtime to introduce himself to new people and talk about the Symphony.
Immediately after conducting a full concert Saturday night, Robert invited everyone upstairs to the Gibson Room of the Civic Center, where he performed a movement of the Mozart Clarinet Quintet with members of our orchestra. That is something rarely, if ever, seen from a maestro. Robert is not only a serious musician on the podium, but also an active professional-level performer, and that combination is incredibly special.
Robert brings warmth, vision, curiosity, and a genuine spirit of collaboration. As we begin this next chapter, I feel as though new doors are opening for the Symphony, and I could not be more excited to see what we will build together.”
About Robert Kahn
Dutch-American conductor Robert Kahn is known for his clarity, versatility, and command of both operatic and symphonic repertoire. He was recently appointed the 2026-27 Assistant Conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. In this role, Kahn will offer support as a cover conductor during select subscription weeks, lead youth concerts, and conduct the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. A recipient of the Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Award, he has worked closely with the singers and creative teams at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, where he recently led performances of Così fan tutte.
In 2022, Kahn completed the Conducting Fellowship at the Curtis Institute of Music, where he was mentored by Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Since then, he has built strong relationships with major orchestras across North America, serving as cover conductor for the Philadelphia Orchestra, Chicago Symphony, and the New York Philharmonic. This season, Kahn made this debut with Dutch National Opera, conducting Hannah Kendall’s The Knife of Dawn as part of the DNO’s Opera Forward Festival, a performance which was praised by OperaWire for eliciting a “vibrant and dramatically urgent rendition”.
Robert holds a Professional Studies Degree in Orchestral Conducting from the Mannes School of Music and a Double Bachelor’s Degree in Physics and Clarinet from The Johns Hopkins University and Peabody Conservatory.
About The Music Director Search
The search for a new Music Director began in February of 2024 when former Music Director, Grant Harville, announced his intention to depart in order to live and work closer to his family in Victoria, BC. Applications for the position opened in October of 2024 and out of over 230 applicants, six finalists were selected to spend a week in Great Falls and conduct a concert with the Great Falls Symphony Orchestra. Each candidate stayed downtown, toured the city, interacted with our community, donors, and sponsors, and worked with our staff, board, orchestra, and choir. At the end of the Search the Great Falls Symphony has selected Maestro Robert Kahn to take up the mantle of Music Director. The announcement of his first season is coming soon…
