Contrary to what some may think, symphonies are not stagnant institutions frozen in time. By embracing accessibility, relevance, community engagement, and innovation, the Omaha Symphony is breaking down barriers and redefining what it means to experience live orchestral music in the 21st century. 

At its core, the Omaha Symphony is on a mission to enrich lives through the transformative power of live orchestral music. Founded in 1921, the Omaha Symphony has continually evolved to meet the diverse needs of its audience and now offers an array of programming, ranging from classical powerhouses to modern rock ‘n’ roll to feature films presented above the live orchestra. 

Music Director Ankush Bahl, alongside VP of Artistic Administration Dani Meier, dedicates extensive time to curating a compelling repertoire for Omaha Symphony concerts. Together, they meticulously select pieces that offer rich experiences, ensuring that concertgoers, regardless of their familiarity with orchestral music, can fully enjoy and connect with the performances. 

“While I don’t think that classical music is the only valid nor highest form of art, I do think a life not exposed to the power of an orchestra is a life slightly less well lived, and it is my mission in Omaha to expose as many people to the Omaha Symphony as possible,” Bahl expresses. 

President and CEO Jennifer Boomgaarden Daoud explains that, along with anchoring the Omaha Symphony in the core of the city, the Holland Performing Arts Center also empowers its sound. 

“In many respects, the Holland is like another instrument. It helps shape the voice of the orchestra,” Boomgaarden Daoud states. 

The Omaha Symphony often uses technology to enhance the concert experience, offering live video feeds of performers and providing audiences with up-close views of soloists and musicians. Additionally, visual art interpretations, such as live painting or dance during orchestral performances, add a captivating visual dimension to the music, enriching the overall sensory experience for attendees. 

This seamless integration of technology into the show sets the stage for the Omaha Symphony’s broader educational programming, which reaches tens of thousands of students annually and fosters a love for music and cultural appreciation from an early age. The Omaha Symphony’s virtual classroom provides a comprehensive digital platform designed to bring the transformative power of orchestral music directly to students and educators. 

One key component of the virtual classroom is its digital concerts, which offer immersive experiences that can be enjoyed from the comfort of any classroom or home. Additionally, the platform features a learning library of videos hosted by Omaha Symphony musicians that cover a whole host of topics, ranging from instrument posture to advanced playing techniques. This resource empowers students to deepen their musical skills and knowledge at their own pace. This facilitates interactive educational experiences through virtual visits, allowing Omaha Symphony musicians to connect with classrooms remotely and engage in live discussions, demonstrations, and Q&A sessions. 

On the community outreach front, the Omaha Symphony’s commitment to community engagement shines through its Forte Initiative. Led by Liz Kendall Weisser, Director of Education and Community Engagement, Forte represents a holistic approach to embedding the orchestra within the community. This comprehensive program aims to break down barriers, such as cost and transportation, while challenging the perception that classical music isn’t for everyone. 

“Forte offers different venues for our mission of enriching lives through the exhilarating experience of live music and helps us live out our core value of having a deep commitment to education with the communities we serve,” Weisser explains. “Learning and exploring do not have to stop when we graduate.” 

Making good on their commitment, the Omaha Symphony, under its Forte Initiative, collaborated with North Omaha arts and cultural center Culxr House for an event at Omaha North High School called “If It Ain’t Baroque”—a fusion of hip hop, classical, and contemporary dance that’s curated to break down stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding classical music. With the help of artist and owner of Culxr House, Marcy Yates, the Omaha Symphony invited diverse audiences to experience the power of orchestral music in a dynamic and unconventional setting, proving that classical music is indeed for everyone, regardless of background or preconceptions. 

After all, in the eyes of Boomgaarden Daoud, a symphony orchestra not only helps educate and entertain a community but also allows a community to convene, whether to celebrate or mourn. 

A similar sentiment is echoed by Weisser, who believes the arts play a central role in articulating the human experience and cultivating empathy. In her opinion, by sharing narratives, musical traditions, and diverse forms of creative expression, we foster deeper connections with one another, surpassing the limitations of platforms like social media. 

“We know, for example, that heartbeats and breathing regulate with each other when we experience a classical music concert,” Weisser remarks. “At a fundamental level, we share something both personal and communal when we experience the arts collectively.” 

Through their performances, educational initiatives, and community outreach efforts, the Omaha Symphony cultivates a deeper appreciation for the arts, instilling a sense of wonder and inspiration in listeners of all ages. 

There’s no better testament to the fruits of the Omaha Symphony’s labor than their 2024 GRAMMY nominations for their collaboration on Sculptures, a nine-movement piece of music composed by Andy Akiho as a tribute to the art of Omaha sculptor Jun Kaneko. Performed live by the Omaha Symphony at the Holland Center, Sculptures’ recognition in three GRAMMY categories underscores the organization’s ability to push artistic boundaries and captivate audiences with groundbreaking performances, reaffirming its position as a cultural leader and champion of musical excellence in the Omaha community and beyond. 

The Omaha Symphony serves up a diverse set of spirited selections, each with the potential to be a gateway into the world of orchestral music. As Boomgaarden Daoud emphasizes, your “entry point” might not just be a one-time occasion: It could be the beginning of a personal connection to the music that most resonates with you. Whether you have an affinity for classical masterpieces, contemporary compositions, or immersive multimedia experiences, there’s a piece of orchestral magnificence for everyone at the Omaha Symphony. Finding your orchestral starting point at the Omaha Symphony is sure to provide an electrifying, enriching experience—one that will stay with you long after the curtain closes. ◆