Ryan Haskins

Named as the sixth Music Director and Conductor of the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra, Ryan Haskins continues to attract international attention as one of the most innovative and creative concert presenters of his generation.

During the 2026/2027 season, Ryan Haskins celebrates his 18th season as the sixth Music Director and Conductor of the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra. He also serves as Conductor of the Toronto Summer Music Festival Orchestra in Toronto, Canada. Known for imaginative programming and a bold approach to concert presentation, Haskins has established himself as an artistic leader who brings music, storytelling, technology, and theatrical design together to create experiences that resonate well beyond the concert hall.

Throughout his tenure in Sioux City, Haskins has shaped the orchestra’s artistic identity through ambitious repertoire, multidisciplinary collaborations, and performances designed to draw audiences more deeply into the experience. His work reflects a belief that the symphony orchestra can honor its traditions while continuing to evolve, surprise, and speak meaningfully to the community it serves.

Haskins has conducted and collaborated with ensembles throughout North America and Europe, including the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Florida Orchestra, National Chorus of Wales, Santa Fe Opera, and Toronto Summer Music Festival Orchestra. His festival appearances include the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, St. Magnus Festival in Scotland, Baldwin Wallace Bach Festival, and the International Polish Music Festival.

Haskins served on the deputy conducting staff of the London Symphony Orchestra and London Symphony Chorus, where his responsibilities included conducting, chorus preparation, and assisting with major performances and recording projects. His work with the London Symphony Chorus placed him within the artistic life of one of the world’s most distinguished musical institutions and provided extensive experience collaborating with internationally renowned conductors, soloists, and ensembles.

Earlier in his career, Haskins was selected by Kurt Masur for two consecutive years to participate in Masur’s conducting seminar in New York City. He was also chosen by Marin Alsop as a participating conductor at the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music and worked closely with Gustav Meier during his studies at the Peabody Conservatory.

A passionate advocate for contemporary music, Haskins has made the discovery and promotion of new American voices a defining part of his artistic work. He has commissioned new compositions, created opportunities for emerging composers, and regularly placed contemporary works in conversation with the established orchestral repertoire. Through initiatives such as the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra’s Composer of the Year program, he has helped provide composers with performances, professional artistic relationships, and meaningful access to audiences. His commitment extends beyond presenting individual works. He seeks to build an environment in which composers are active participants in the life of the orchestra and audiences are invited to encounter new music with curiosity and a sense of connection.

That same spirit informs Haskins’s work with young musicians and music education. He has led workshops and lectures focused on the development of aspiring orchestral musicians, sharing practical guidance on performance, rehearsal technique, ensemble collaboration, and the broader demands of a career in music. He continues to champion exploratory approaches to performance, learning, and audience engagement. Haskins holds degrees from the Peabody Conservatory, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, he resides in Toronto, Canada.