Jacob Niemann, two-time recipient of the Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Award, is rapidly emerging to the forefront of a new generation of orchestral conductors. Recently completing a three-year residency as the Rita E. Hauser Conducting Fellow at the Curtis Institute of Music, he studied under the mentorship of Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Entrusted to lead the Curtis Symphony Orchestra, Niemann quickly established himself as a versatile leader, adept at navigating a broad repertoire across many different performance and rehearsal scenarios.

In summers 2018, 2021, and 2022, Niemann earned fellowships at the Aspen Conducting Academy, where he distinguished himself by winning the Robert J. Harth Conducting Prize. Here, he greatly refined his musicianship and conducting technique under the tutelage of Robert Spano, further enriched by the insights of guest instructors Mark Stringer, Patrick Summers, and Hugh Wolff. In recognition of his work at the Academy, Niemann returned to Aspen in 2023, ascending to the role of Assistant Conductor.

Niemann’s conducting has been showcased through a vast array of prestigious masterclasses and competitions. Under David Zinman, he led the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich; for Michael Tilson Thomas, he conducted the New World Symphony; and with Cristian Măcelaru, he led the Cabrillo Festival Orchestra. Further cementing his international acclaim, Niemann advanced to the quarter-finals of the 17th Donatella Flick Conducting Competition, where he conducted the London Symphony Orchestra.

In his role as a cover conductor, Niemann has accumulated extensive experience working alongside Gianandrea Noseda at the National Symphony Orchestra, Krzysztof Urbański with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and Courtney Lewis at the Jacksonville Symphony. He has been a frequent guest with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, where he covered for Rune Bergmann, James Conlon, and Jonathon Heyward.

May, 2024