Travis Jürgens

Music Director / Conductor, Philharmonia of Greater Kansas City

Travis Jürgens has performed in the United States, Europe, and Japan. Musicians who have played under his baton have commented on his exceptional talent, dynamic musicianship, imagination, and strong leadership. He earned his Bachelor’s in Piano Performance with High Distinction from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, and his Master’s in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Illinois. Additionally, he studied at the Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien and the Institut für Europäishe Studien in Vienna, Austria. He also made his Viennese debut as guest conductor of the IES Vienna Chamber Orchestra. Mr. Jürgens has been applauded for his expressive conducting technique, thorough preparation, and omnipresent passion for music. He has served as Graduate Assistant Conductor and General Manager of the University of Illinois Philharmonia Orchestra, and as a cover conductor for the University of Illinois Orchestras. He was also the Assistant Conductor for the University of Illinois Opera Theater production of Hansel and Gretel by Neely Bruce. While in Illinois, he founded the United Orchestra of Urbana. Many conductors, including Gustav Meier, have commented on Jürgens’ tremendous energy on the podium. His primary conducting teachers include Donald Schleicher and David Effron. Additionally, he has received instruction from Michael Tilson Thomas, Larry Rachleff, Steven Byess, Paul Vermel, and many others. He has collaborated with many soloists including Rick Rowley; and esteemed composers such as Robert Ward and Samuel Jones. In addition to his Music Director position with the Philharmonia of Greater Kansas City, he is the Assistant Conductor of the Lamont Symphony Orchestra and Opera Theatre in Denver.