Conductor Robert Kahn: Shaping the Future of Classical Music

Robert Kahn

For conductor Robert Kahn, the journey into classical music was born from family tradition and nurtured by personal passion. Growing up in the Netherlands, Kahn’s musical journey began with his parents, who, though amateur musicians themselves, instilled a deep love of music in him. As a child, Kahn often accompanied his mother to concerts at the famed Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, sparking a lifelong love for orchestral music that would eventually lead him to the podium.

Kahn’s path to conducting, however, was not always a straightforward one. He began his formal studies in clarinet while simultaneously pursuing physics in the United States. Yet, as his love for conducting grew stronger, Kahn realized that this was where his true passion lay. “The more I studied clarinet and physics, the more I decided I really wanted to pursue conducting,” Kahn recalls. This decision led him to complete his master’s degree at the prestigious Mannes School of Music, followed by a conducting fellowship at the Curtis Institute of Music—an achievement he describes as a pivotal moment in his career.

Curtis, with its legacy of nurturing some of the world’s greatest conductors, provided Kahn with the mentorship of renowned conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Under his guidance, Kahn learned to approach each composer with a unique vision and style, refining his ability to draw distinct sounds from the orchestra for each piece. “Yannick showed me that you can approach different composers differently and still maintain a high artistic standard,” Kahn reflects.

Kahn’s influences are not limited to Nézet-Séguin. He also credits Jaap van Zweden, whom he assisted at the New York Philharmonic, as a major influence on his development. Van Zweden’s ability to elicit an intense and rich orchestral sound—particularly from the string section—has left a lasting impression on Kahn, shaping his own approach to conducting.

Among Kahn’s most memorable experiences as a conductor was not a live performance, but a recording session. Alongside composer David Hertzberg and mezzo-soprano Samantha Hankey, Kahn helped create the first studio recording of The Rose Elf, a chamber opera by Hertzberg. The recording, which received critical acclaim, stands out as one of Kahn’s proudest achievements. “Everyone in the room knew we were doing something special,” he recalls, highlighting the shared sense of purpose that drove the project.

Currently serving as a cover conductor for the New York Philharmonic, Kahn enjoys the dual role of being ready to step in for a conductor while also assisting in rehearsals by offering feedback on balance and sound. His involvement with such a prestigious institution has furthered his musical education, allowing him to study how different conductors approach their craft.

Looking ahead, Kahn is a finalist for the music director position at the Marin Symphony Orchestra in San Francisco. Later this season, he will conduct a program that includes Brahms’ Symphony No. 4, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Ballade in A minor, and Jennifer Higdon’s Viola Concerto. Kahn views this opportunity as a significant step forward in his career, combining his love for both symphonic and operatic music.

Despite his success, Kahn remains committed to the idea that music should serve a greater purpose. He emphasizes the importance of using his platform to inspire others, particularly by promoting contemporary music and lesser-known composers. He speaks with admiration about American composers like Kevin Puts and Missy Mazzoli, expressing a desire to bring their works to a broader audience. “We live in a very exciting time, especially in the U.S., where there are so many great composers writing fantastic music,” Kahn says.

In terms of legacy, Kahn hopes to be remembered not only as a conductor who inspired musicians and audiences but also as one who championed the work of underrepresented composers. For him, success is defined by his ability to inspire others, whether through performances or his thoughtful approach to programming.

Robert Kahn’s journey as a conductor is marked by a deep commitment to both musical excellence and the broader cultural impact of his work. As he continues to make his mark in the classical world, it’s clear that Kahn’s passion for music, combined with his thoughtful leadership, will leave a lasting legacy on both the musicians he works with and the audiences he inspires.

Listen to the episode today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Discover More