Nebraska Percussionist Returns for Omaha Symphony Performance

May 29th, 2024

This weekend, the Omaha Symphony welcomes back one of its own as Jacob Nissley, principal percussionist of the San Francisco Symphony, joins Maestro Ankush Kumar Bahl for a special performance.

Nissley, whose impressive musical career began in Beatrice, Nebraska, has journeyed from local marching bands to prestigious stages nationwide. His Midwest education laid the foundation for his classical and jazz music achievements, leading him to roles with renowned symphonies.

Nissley will perform Adam Schoenberg’s “Losing Earth Percussion Concerto,” a piece that highlights the pressing issue of climate change. The concerts are scheduled for this Friday and Sunday.

For Nissley and his family, this performance is a homecoming. “We’re thrilled to be back,” said Nissley. He reflects on the evolution of percussion concertos and the increasing skill level of percussionists over recent decades, crediting pioneers who have expanded the possibilities of percussion music. Despite these advances, Nissley notes that percussion concertos remain less common than those for violin or piano.

Friday’s concert will also be broadcast live at the Gene Leahy Mall esplanade, free for the public to enjoy. Maestro Ernest Richardson and KVNO’s Coleen Cook will lead the outdoor program.

For more information, visit the Omaha Symphony’s website.