Eric Mahl

Conductor | April 11, 2027: American Notes

Known for his clarity, contagious energy and passion, Mr. Mahl has solidified his place as one of the most exciting conductors of his generation. Currently, he is the Music Director with the Ridgefield Symphony, Opera Acadia, Northport Symphony Orchestra, and the Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra, as well as conductor at the Charles Ives Music Festival.

Equally at home in Symphonic concerts, Opera productions, Pops concerts, popular music and more, Eric is coming off a remarkable season that has further solidified his place as a force in the conducting world. He looks back on a season of critically acclaimed Opera productions, collaborations with multiple Grammy winning artists, a slew of premiers, a number of sold out performances including of Beethoven’s 9th. He’s looking forward to a 2026-2027 that includes unique and innovative programming that explored the rich, diverse tapestry of American Music, a return to Carnegie Hall, multiple Opera engagements, further collaboration with world-class artists, and so much more.

Each season, Maestro Mahl consistently conducts, leads and performs with ensembles and soloists comprised of world-class musicians from orchestras ranging from the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Houston Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, and Orpheus Chamber Orchestra among others. He has collaborated with with Grammy Winning artists including Jennifer Koh, Michelle Cann, Brandon Patrick George, Rannan Meyer, the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, Judy Collins and others. He has had guest conducting positions with the Geneva Light Opera, Bar Harbor Music Festival, Greenwich Village Orchestra, Wallingford Symphony, Orchestra 21, l’ecole du danse (Montreal), New Amsterdam Symphony, the Chelsea Symphony, and many Others.

Mr. Mahl has become known for his unique and innovative programs, highlight the rich diversity of the world, providing accessibility and contextualization, and bringing the music to the people in every way possible. He is constantly searching for meaningful music that is under represented in the current cannon as well and has arranged music by Nathaniel Dett, Harry Burleigh and others as well as spirituals for orchestra to expose these musics to broader audiences. He is a fervent support of new works as well, and has commissioned or given the world premier of over 25 pieces of music including ballets, operas and small/large ensemble works.

This busy musician also can be heard in unique music lecture series, pre-concert talks, library workshop series, inter-active children and family concerts, outreach programs, and concerts that explore the history and culture of a particular communities. As a passionate educator, Mr. Mahl has personally taught all ages and instruments at public and private schools throughout the five boroughs of New York City, and frequently works with student musicians from under-served communities.

Mr. Mahl received his Bachelor of Music Degree from Ithaca College, and continued his studies at Universite de Montreal and the State University of New York at Fredonia. He has studied with some of the foremost conducting pedagogues in the country including Marin Alsop, James Ross, Harold Farberman, and Larry Rachleff and has participated in workshops in the United States, Canada and Europe. Mr. Mahl plays trumpet and piano, and in his very limited free time continues to play in orchestral and chamber music programs. When not on the podium, his passions extend to fitness, tennis, and spending time in nature.