Maestro Richardson Honors His Bond with the Omaha Community

October 4th, 2024

When Ernest Richardson first arrived in Omaha as a conductor, he never expected to stay for long. He had no plans to plant roots in the city. Yet, here we are, more than thirty years later, with Richardson having become a beloved fixture of the Omaha Symphony. His tenure as principal pops conductor has transformed the symphony and the community that welcomed him with open arms.

Reflecting on his journey, Richardson quickly points out that his greatest joy comes from offering people a first-time experience with the orchestra. “There’s something truly special about watching someone discover classical music for the first time,” he says. It’s a moment of connection to the music and something bigger—a cultural experience that transcends notes and rhythms.

For Richardson, the past three decades have been filled with these decisive moments. Every performance and every interaction with an audience member has reaffirmed his belief in making music accessible. Bringing classical music into people’s everyday lives, particularly those who may have never thought to explore it, has been one of the most gratifying aspects of his work.

His dedication to the Omaha Symphony has turned a once temporary stop into a life’s calling, and his story reminds us how unexpected opportunities can evolve into lasting, meaningful connections.

To learn more about upcoming Omaha Symphony performances, visit Omahasymphony.org.