Grand Rapids Symphony Names Bob Bernhardt As Principal Pops Conductor

  • Monday, January 26, 2015
Bob Bernhardt
Bob Bernhardt

Bob Bernhardt has been named as the new Principal Pops Conductor for the Grand Rapids Symphony. 

With more than 30 years of experience as a conductor of popular and classical music, Maestor Bernhardt will bring his unique perspective, musical abilities, and engaging personality to West
Michigan. Maestro Bernhardt will be an integral part of the orchestra’s Fox Motors Pops concerts, Nestlé Gerber SymphonicBoom and D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops.  He first conducted the
Grand Rapids Symphony in September 2013, leading the “Boston Pops Tribute Show.” 

Maestro Bernhardt has worked with leading orchestras across the country. These performances have included frequent guest appearances at the Boston Pops where he made his debut in 1992 at the invitation of John Williams.  Maestro Bernhardt is also the Principal Pops Conductor of the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera and the Louisville Orchestra. 

In addition to conducting numerous concerts each season, Maestro Bernhardt will be instrumental in planning and shaping the orchestra’s popular programming. He will work closely with leadership of the Symphony, including Associate Conductor John Varineau.  Mr. Varineau will continue to lead a wide variety of the orchestra’s performances each year, including both classical and popular programs along with performances of the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony. 

Maestro Bernhardt succeeds Richard Hayman as principal pops conductor of the Grand Rapids
Symphony.  Mr. Hayman was the principal pops conductor of the Grand Rapids Symphony from
1985 until 2007, and served as pops conductor laureate until his passing last year. 

As part of the search process, the Symphony’s Principal Pops Conductor Selection Committee
was formed to assess candidates and make a recommendation to the organization’s Board of
Directors. The Selection Committee included Grand Rapids Symphony musicians, current and
past board members, and other community leaders. 

“Bob Bernhardt is a fantastic Pops conductor who is also adept at classical and opera,” says Bill
Vits, Grand Rapids Symphony principal percussionist and Selection Committee member. “He
has great understanding of popular repertoire while being a regular guy who loves baseball. The
musicians look forward to playing a wide range of programs with plenty of John Williams and
exciting collaborations with new guest artists.” 

"The appointment of our new principal pops conductor will help the Grand Rapids Symphony
and its exceptional musicians enrich our community through both classical and popular programming,” said Peter Kjome, president and CEO. “Bob Bernhardt is a dynamic leader who will help us grow our audience through innovation and artistic excellence.” 

“Our programs inspired by popular culture will help our orchestra to serve our increasingly
diverse community, and attract audience members of all ages,” said Board Chairperson Peter
Perez. “We appreciate the unanimous recommendation of the Selection Committee following a
national search.” 

Maestro Bernhardt will return to the stage of DeVos Performance Hall to conduct the Fox Motors
Pops Series concert, “The Best of Broadway,” on March 13-15.

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