Meet the Conductor Finalists

This Symphony season is unlike any other. Season 77 is a conductor search year, meaning each concert will be conducted by one of 6 conductor finalists. At the end of the season, a new music director will be chosen.

Join us at each concert to meet the candidates and discover their unique style. Your voice matters: audience members will have the opportunity to share their thoughts about the concert and conductors after each performance.

Meet the conductor finalists below!

Shizuo Z Kuwahara won first prize at the prestigious Solti International Conducting Competition and has an international conducting career, including work with major orchestras and opera houses. Kuwahara was born in Tokyo, Japan, and holds a Master’s Degree in Conducting from Yale University. He will conduct the first concert in the Search Series, titled “The Melting Pot.” Read more >

Come see Kuwahara conduct on October 17th, 2026.

Praised as a “miracle worker” by Peninsula Reviews, Danko Druško is an advocate for community engagement through music and traditional repertoire to unite audiences of different backgrounds. A recipient of multiple awards in Germany, Druško has been honored with the Friedrichshafen City Art Award and the Conducting Prize of Lake Constance. Druško will join the Idaho Falls Symphony for the season’s second concert, titled “Stealing From Birds.” Read more >

Come see Druško conduct on November 21, 2026.

Daniel Black recently completed a four-year tenure as Resident Conductor of the Florida Orchestra, conducting over 50 concerts per season. He is also an accomplished musical composer and arranger. Black has thrice been awarded the Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Award. He will conduct the “Classically Christmas” concert in December - the third concert in the Search Series. Read more >

Come see Black conduct on December 18, 2026.

With a range across standard repertoire, pops, and contemporary works, Wesley Schulz is a highly creative concert programmer. He has collaborated with well-known musical artists, including Star Wars composer John Williams and Hamilton star Leslie Odom Jr. In his career, Schulz has focused heavily on ballets, guest artist collaborations, and family and education concerts. He will conduct the fourth concert in the Search Series, the Red Dress Concert titled “Love Stories.” Read more >

Come see Schulz conduct on February 13, 2027.

Timothy Verville’s work is described as “awe-inspiring” and credited for “bringing down the house” by the Atlanta Arts Scene. Verville is also a recipient of the American Prize in both Orchestral Performance and Composition. In 2023, the Georgia Secretary of State proclaimed Verville an Outstanding Georgia Citizen for his skills in audience and community outreach. He will conduct alongside the Young Artist Competition winners in Search Series V: “Beethoven’s 5th.” Read more >

Come see Verville conduct on March 13, 2027.

Jiannan Cheng is praised as “a rare combination of technical skill, intense musicality, and a genuine passion.” Cheng won the First Prize, the Orchestra Prize, and the Audience Prize at the Hugo Alfvén International Conducting Competition. Her career has taken her across the globe, appearing with ensembles across Europe, North America, and Asia. Join Cheng as she conducts the final Search Series concert: “River Runs Through You.” Read more >

Come see Cheng conduct on April 24, 2027.