Morihiko Nakahara

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Morihiko Nakahara (born November 28, 1975) is a Japanese conductor.

Born in Kagoshima, Japan, Nakahara is the Associate Conductor of the Spokane Symphony. Nakahara received a Master of Music degree in Instrumental Conducting from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where he studied with Rodney Winther. In 1998 he received a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education with distinction from Andrews University. He has done additional conducting studies with Larry Rachleff, Mark Gibson, Jerry Junkin, and Alan Mitchell.

Nakahara is known for his charismatic presence both on and off the podium, innovative and audience-friendly programming skills, and thoughtful interpretations of both standard and new repertoire. 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 March 2005.

An advocate of new music, Nakahara has collaborated with and garnered praise from such notable contemporary composers as Steve Reich, Michael Torke, Augusta Read Thomas, Azio Corghi, Menachem Zur, and Yasuhide Ito.

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.

Nakahara currently is music director and conductor of the Holland Symphony Orchestra in Holland, Michigan. The 2006-2007 season marks his last season with the Holland Symphony Orchestra.

In the 2006-07 season, Nakahara will be known for holding the Bruno Walter Associate Conductor Chair. Nakahara is one of two chosen for this award.

In addition to his duties with the Spokane Symphony, Nakahara is the director of the Eastern Washington University Orchestras.

[edit] External Links

Kagoshima
Bruno Walter Grant Program

Preceded by: Mihai Craioveanu	Music Director, Holland Symphony Orchestra 2001–2007	Succeeded by: incumbent
Preceded by: Fabio Costa	Associate Conductor, Spokane Symphony 2003–present	Succeeded by: incumbent