The Ukrainian-born, American conductor Taras Krysa is establishing a reputation for innovative and thoughtful music-making throughout the United States and Europe. In addition to serving as the director of orchestras at UNLV, Mr. Krysa serves as the music director of the Lviv (Ukraine) Philharmonic Orchestra.

Krysa has appeared internationally with orchestras including the New World Symphony, Netherlands Symphony Orchestra, St. Petersburg Symphony, Moscow Soloists, Slovak Sinfonietta, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, Kiev Chamber Orchestra, Lublin Philharmonic Orchestra, Las Vegas Philharmonic Orchestra, Odessa Philharmonic Orchestra, and many others. In addition, Krysa led several European orchestras on tours in China, Germany and Netherlands, including appearances at Concertgebouw Hall.

An accomplished violinist, he was a member of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and the New World Symphony Orchestra, and continues to maintain an active career performing chamber music.

Krysa recently concluded his ninth season as the Artistic and Music Director of the Henderson Symphony Orchestra in Nevada. Under his leadership, the ensemble saw its audience expand tenfold, and its concerts were recognized as a treasured part of the cultural life of the community.

Mr. Krysa actively promotes new music and has made three critically acclaimed recordings for the Brilliant Classics label; two of which featured works by Mozart, and one a live recording of Freddie Mercury’s rock opera, Barcelona.

Krysa attended the Gnessin in Moscow before moving with his family to the United States in 1989, where he continued his studies in violin and conducting at Indiana University and Northwestern University. His conducting teachers were Victor Yampolsky, Jorma Panula, and David Zinman. Mr. Krysa attended The Pierre Monteux School and the American Academy of Conducting at Aspen Music Festival.