Robert Kahn

Dutch-American conductor and recipient of the Solti Career Assistance Award, Robert Kahn is currently serving as the Assistant Conductor at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia. In 2022, he concluded the Conducting Fellowship at the Curtis Institute of Music, where he was mentored by Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Conversant with both symphonic and operatic repertoire, Robert has served as cover conductor with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony, and the New York Philharmonic, and joined the latter orchestra on tour to Vail and Asia in the summer of 2024. He was also recently invited to assist Yannick Nézet-Séguin with the Rotterdam Philharmonic on tour, featuring Wagner’s Die Walküre.

In the 24-25 season, Robert conducted Così fan Tutte with the Academy of Vocal Arts and returned to The Mannes School of Music to conduct a contemporary opera. As a Music Director finalist, Robert made his subscription debut with the Marin Symphony in California. He also served as cover conductor for Opera Philadelphia’s production of Don Giovanni, and returned to cover conduct several programs with the New York Philharmonic.

Passionate about new music, Robert collaborated with David Hertzberg to conduct the studio recording of his new opera, The Rose Elf, which received wide acclaim including Critic’s Pick by Opera News magazine. In 2021, Robert conducted the same work for a digital co-production of LA Opera / Opera Omaha in collaboration with the ICE ensemble.

Robert received his Master’s Degree and Professional Studies Degree in Orchestral Conducting at the Mannes School of Music, studying with David Hayes. He holds a Double Bachelor’s Degree in Physics and Clarinet from The Johns Hopkins University and Peabody Conservatory.