Music Director Eric Mahl
Known for his clarity, contagious energy and passion, Mr. Mahl has solidified his place as one of the most exciting conductors of his generation. He is the Music Director with the Ridgefield Symphony, Opera Acadia, Geneva Light Opera, Northport Symphony Orchestra, and 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, Maestro Mahl is in the midst of a diverse 2026-27 season. With programs emphasizing American composers, contemporary works, and under-represented artists, his engagements include collaborations with award winning artists such as Jeremias Sergiani-Velazques, Sarah Joyce Cooper, the Tristan Trio, Judy Collins, Francesca McNeely and others. He is excited to be making his debut with the Brooklyn Symphony in an all American Program, and returns to Geneva Light Opera and the Acclaimed Opera Acadia for productions of Don Pasquale and La Boheme, as well as a Cosi fan tutte with the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra. As a dedicated educator, he is thrilled to be conducting the orchestra at the Connecticut Regionals (CMEA) this year.
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.
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 andprivate schools throughout the five boroughs of New York City, and frequently works with student musicians from under-served communities.
