Benjamin Klemme (NRO ’07 Assistant Conductor and ’06 Assistant to the Music Director), was recently appointed Assistant Conductor and Director of Education Engagement at the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, an organization under the artistic leadership of Music Director Mark Russell Smith (another NRO alumnus Assistant Conductor). Klemme will conduct pops and family concerts, serve as cover conductor for all Masterworks programs, and design educational initiatives to inspire and engage listeners and performers of all ages. His duties also include serving as Music Director and Conductor for the Quad City Symphony Youth Ensembles. In addition to his work in the Quad Cities, Klemme serves the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies as Concert Orchestra Conductor.
When asked about his time with the NRO, Ben shares, “The experiences I enjoyed during the summers I spent in Breckenridge working with Maestro Topilow and the phenomenal musicians of the National Repertory Orchestra helped me to develop a myriad of skills of which I make use on a daily basis. Serving the NRO as Assistant Conductor exposed me to an unbelievably wide range of orchestral repertoire, allowed me to forge friendships with musicians whose artistry continues to impact mine and with whom I continue to enjoy collaborations, and situated me in contexts where the extramusical skills that support my music-making were strengthened. Fond memories of NRO inspire me to this day to pursue my very best as a musician, and I am grateful to the NRO community for investing in my training, and for giving me opportunities that have helped me find success as a conductor.”