THE CONDUCTORS

Morihiko Nakahara
Associate Conductor

 Recognized by critics, orchestras, and audiences alike as“a splendid conductor” possessing “a poet’s sensitivity and a craftsman’s efficiency,” Morihiko Nakahara currently serves as the Bruno Walter Associate Conductor of the Spokane Symphony Orchestra and Director of Orchestras at Eastern Washington University. The 2006-2007 season also marks his sixth and final season as Music Director and Conductor of the Holland Symphony Orchestra (Mich.). Widely regarded as an emerging talent among the younger generation of conductors, Nakahara was featured in the American Symphony Orchestra League’s National Conductor Preview in 2005.

Known for his charismatic presence on and off the podium, innovative and audience-friendly programming skills, and thoughtful interpretations of both standard and contemporary repertoire, Nakahara’s tenure in Holland has coincided with a period of dramatic growth for the organization. The Grand Rapids Press declared that “international success for Nakahara would surprise nobody who has seen him work,” and that “what is notable is how musically and expressively the orchestra performs. Credit for that goes its music director.”

Acclaimed as a versatile artist and a passionate believer in music education for all ages, Nakahara regularly appears on Classics, Casual Classics, and Symphony on the Edge series and was recently appointed as artistic director of both SuperPops series as well as educational and outreach concerts with the Spokane Symphony Orchestra. In addition, he has been a popular clinician, guest conductor, and speaker at various educational institutions throughout the Inland Northwest. As a personable ambassador for classical music, Nakahara makes frequent appearances on local media outlets as well as at local businesses and service clubs.

A native of Kagoshima, Japan, Nakahara holds degrees from Andrews University and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He has studied conducting with Rodney Winther, Timothy Muffitt, Lawrence Leighton Smith, Larry Rachleff, and Alan Mitchell, among others.

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