Falletta Takes Dual Role Guiding Omaha Symphony Through Leadership Search (PT-2)

September 24th, 2025

Grammy Award-winning conductor JoAnn Falletta has taken on expanded responsibilities with the Omaha Symphony, serving as both Principal Guest Conductor and Artistic Advisor while the organization searches for its next permanent music director.

Falletta, who made history as the first woman to lead a major American orchestra when she became Music Director of the Buffalo Philharmonic in 1999, will conduct this weekend’s Masterworks concert while helping guide the symphony’s artistic decisions during the transition period.

“Well, first of all, it’s a great honor, because I know the orchestra. I’ve conducted them several times, and they’re a fantastic group,” Falletta said. “Being in between music directors leaves space for someone to guide through certain things, like auditions, like repertoire for the next year, even inviting guest conductors.”

Her role extends beyond conducting appearances to include responsibilities typically handled by a permanent music director. Falletta helps with repertoire planning, audition processes and guest conductor selections while remaining accessible for consultation on artistic matters.

“I’ll be there on the podium for a few times, which I’m really looking forward to, but always accessible about anything that they need to know, that a music director would do,” she said. “It’s really an honor to be entrusted with that, because this is an amazing orchestra, and they’re at a very important time in their growth.”

Falletta emphasized that while she advises on artistic matters, the permanent conductor selection remains with a committee of orchestra members and board members. She expects them to choose someone who combines musical excellence with strong leadership skills.

This weekend’s concert showcases the type of thoughtful programming Falletta brings to her advisory role. The evening opens with John Adams’ “Short Ride in a Fast Machine,” which Falletta describes as “five minutes of fun” by “one of our country’s most astonishing and famous 20th Century composers.”

The program features the Omaha debut of pianist George Li, who will perform Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3. Falletta praised the young artist’s abilities beyond technical skill.

“He’s spectacular. He’s one of these people who not only has prodigious technical ability, and sometimes you get that, and you say, wow, that’s very impressive. But his sense of phrasing, his vision, his nuance, his understanding of the music. That’s what I really love about him,” Falletta said. “Even if I’ve done it, you know, 25 times before, George always teaches me something. Really an extraordinary talent!”

The concert concludes with Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, which Falletta calls “His Fate Symphony” for its journey from darkness to triumph.

“He’s talking about how fate rules our lives, and how we struggle, we will struggle, we will have difficult times in our life, but we have the possibility of joy and happiness, and it goes from a very dark beginning to a blazing finale of happiness,” she explained. “It’s one of my favorites, and I know the orchestra will play brilliantly.”

The Omaha Symphony has been searching for a new music director since announcing its previous leadership transition. Falletta’s appointment provides stability and experienced guidance during the selection process.

Her dual role reflects the symphony’s commitment to maintaining artistic excellence while conducting its search. Rather than relying solely on various guest conductors, the organization invested in consistent artistic leadership from a conductor with extensive experience building orchestra programs.

Falletta’s background includes 25 years leading the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, multiple Grammy Awards and recognition by Gramophone Magazine as one of the “Fifty Great Conductors.” She has conducted over 1,600 orchestral works and championed both traditional and contemporary repertoire.

The weekend concert represents both immediate artistic programming and longer-term strategic planning under Falletta’s guidance. Her experience in orchestra development provides valuable perspective as the Omaha Symphony positions itself for its next permanent leadership appointment.

Li, the featured pianist, has gained recognition for combining technical mastery with musical insight. His performance of Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto, considered one of the most challenging works in the piano repertoire, marks his first appearance with the Omaha Symphony.

The programming choices reflect Falletta’s philosophy of balancing accessibility with artistic challenge, offering audiences a complete musical experience spanning different eras and styles.

Falletta’s appointment demonstrates how major orchestras can navigate leadership transitions while maintaining artistic momentum. Her proven track record in orchestra leadership provides both immediate stability and strategic guidance for future planning.

The Omaha Symphony Masterworks concert takes place this weekend at Holland Performing Arts Center. For tickets and information, visit the symphony’s website.