The Omaha Symphony recently presented a concert featuring works by Antonín Dvořák and Igor Stravinsky, broadcast on Nebraska Public Media on March 6th, 2026. The performance, a blend of classic and 20th-century compositions, showcased the talents of conductors Alasdair Neale and Ankush Kumar Bahl. This event is part of the ongoing Nebraska Concerts series, offering audiences access to high-quality orchestral performances from across the state.
The program included Dvořák’s Concerto in B Minor for Violoncello and Orchestra, a cornerstone of the cello repertoire, and Stravinsky’s Symphonies of Wind Instruments, a function known for its neoclassical clarity and rhythmic vitality. The Dvořák concerto was recorded on February 22nd, 2025, while the Stravinsky piece was recorded on February 2nd, 2025, according to Nebraska Public Media. The Nebraska Concerts series provides a platform for both established and emerging musical voices within the region.
Program Details and Conductors
Alasdair Neale led the orchestra through Dvořák’s concerto, a piece celebrated for its lyrical beauty and technical demands. Neale has a history with Dvořák’s work, having previously led a performance of Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 in E minor, also known as “From the New World,” in 2014, as reported by South Florida Classical Review. Ankush Kumar Bahl took the podium for Stravinsky’s Symphonies of Wind Instruments, a work that exemplifies the composer’s innovative approach to orchestration.
The concert recordings were made in February 2025, highlighting the Nebraska Concerts series’ commitment to archiving and sharing performances. The series, which airs Fridays at 11 a.m. CT on Nebraska Public Media’s News/Classical radio channel, aims to bring the sounds of Nebraska’s orchestras to a wider audience.
Nebraska Concerts Series Lineup
The March 6th performance is part of a broader lineup of concerts scheduled for March 2026. Upcoming broadcasts include a performance by Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra on March 13th, featuring Franz Schubert’s Symphony No. 8 in B minor, D. 759 “Unfinished” and Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from “West Side Story.” Carol Rosenberger will also perform Schubert’s Impromptus, Op. 142, D. 935 No. 2 in Ab Major. Further performances on March 20th and 27th will showcase additional works by Brahms, Holst, and Haydn, as detailed on the Nebraska Concerts website.
The series also featured Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra on February 27th and February 20th, 2026, and the Nebraska Chamber Players on February 13th, 2026. An earlier Omaha Symphony performance was broadcast on February 6th, 2026. Each broadcast lasts approximately 59 minutes.
The Nebraska Concerts series continues to be a vital resource for classical music enthusiasts in the state, providing access to a diverse range of orchestral performances. The series’ commitment to recording and broadcasting these events ensures that these musical experiences are preserved and shared with audiences for years to approach.
Looking ahead, the Nebraska Concerts series will continue to broadcast performances throughout March and beyond, offering a consistent stream of high-quality orchestral music to listeners across the state. Listeners can discover the full schedule and more information on the Nebraska Public Media website.
What are your favorite orchestral pieces to listen to? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
