Conductors

Bold. Dynamic. Unforgettable.

The visionary conductors of the Louisville Orchestra bring bold leadership and artistic brilliance to every performance. Their dynamic energy captivates audiences, creating unforgettable musical experiences that resonate locally and beyond. Meet the creative forces driving the Louisville Orchestra to new heights.

Teddy Abrams

Music Director

Grammy Award-winning conductor-composer Teddy Abrams is in his 13th season as Music Director of the Louisville Orchestra, where he has been the galvanizing force behind the ensemble’s extraordinary artistic renewal and innovative social impact. In the fall of 2026, he assumes the role of Artistic and Executive Director of California’s Ojai Music Festival, concurrent with his continuing role in Louisville. Abrams was chosen as Musical America’s 2022 Conductor of the Year, and his work has been profiled by CBS Sunday Morning, PBS NewsHour, NPR, The New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times.

Abrams has guest conducted the Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, San Diego, and San Francisco Symphonies; the Buffalo and Los Angeles Philharmonics; the Minnesota Orchestra; the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra; the BBC Symphony Orchestra; the Royal Scottish National Orchestra; the Helsinki and Luxembourg Philharmonics; and many more.

A prolific and award-winning composer, Abrams’s piano concerto for Yuja Wang, recorded on her album The American Project, won them both Grammy Awards.

Learn More

Bob Bernhardt

Principal Pops Conductor

Bob Bernhardt continues to bring his easygoing style, infectious enthusiasm, and outstanding musicianship to the Louisville Orchestra, where he has been a vital presence for over 45 years. Now in his 29th season as Principal Pops Conductor, Bob’s leadership has been integral to the orchestra’s success, following previous roles as Assistant and Associate Conductor.

Learn More

Gabriel Lefkowitz

Concertmaster & Resident Conductor

American violinist and conductor Gabriel Lefkowitz has captivated audiences throughout the U.S. and abroad in a dynamic and multi-faceted career as a performer, creator, and educator. Gabriel is the Concertmaster & Resident Conductor of The Louisville Orchestra, Artistic Director & Conductor of both the Louisville Civic Orchestra and The Chamber Orchestra of Louisville.

Learn More