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A note from Robert
"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."
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About Robert
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.