The University of Nebraska System has released the newest episode of its "Heart to Heart" podcast series. The podcast series, hosted by President Jeffrey Gold, features conversations with University of Nebraska researchers, students and educators, alums and partners who are changing lives and making an impact.
On this episode, Dr. Gold is joined by Jennifer Boomgaarden Daoud, president and chief executive officer of the Omaha Symphony. They discuss her career journey—from aspiring trumpet player to leading a premier music organization—partnerships between the University of Nebraska and the Omaha Symphony, and the powerful impact of music education and engagement.
Boomgaarden Daoud’s passion for music began at an early age. In fourth grade, her best friend handed her a trumpet and she fell in love—playing the next year as a fifth grader. She went on to complete a degree in trumpet performance and a master's in conducting, which brought her to Omaha in 1999 to serve as associate conductor of Omaha’s youth orchestra. She found her way onto the Omaha Symphony staff, eventually serving as vice president of education.
She left Omaha in 2010 to serve as executive director of the South Dakota Symphony, but an opportunity opened back up in Nebraska to serve as president of the Omaha Symphony, and she came back in 2018.
“Ultimately, I found skills I didn't know that I had—and a need I didn't know existed,” Boomgaarden Daoud said. “When my predecessor left, I thought ‘I loved Omaha and I wonder if I can find my way back to Nebraska.’ I came back to the Omaha symphony in 2018 and I’m thrilled to be here.”
Boomgaarden Daoud’s vision for the Omaha Symphony is for the organization to be an innovative and valuable resource to Omaha community. This vision comes to life in the Symphony’s education and community engagement work. The Symphony partners with other organizations in the Omaha area to provide public concerts, partner with social service agencies to improve ticket access and extend music education to nearly 40,000 students in over 300 schools each year.
“We're passionate about doing things on the stage of our beautiful concert hall, the Holland Performing Arts Center, but we're just as passionate about doing things outside of our concert hall,” she said.
Boomgaarden Daoud sees the University of Nebraska as a key partner to the Omaha Symphony in its education and engagement work. Several Symphony musicians serve on the faculty at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and through those connections, are able to bring world-renowned artists to both campuses for masterclass performances and appearances. Members of the Omaha Symphony administrative team also partner with UNO’s business of music course to provide experiential learning opportunities to UNO music students.
Dr. Gold praised Boomgaarden Daoud’s leadership, creativity and innovation:
“Jennifer is a recognized leader in arts and education with deep roots in Nebraska. She has had a remarkable career in advancing community engagement through the arts. I want to thank her for all that she has done—and will continue to do—for the arts and the Omaha community.”
New episodes of the "Heart to Heart" podcast are released monthly and feature guests from across the University of Nebraska System and the community, covering topics ranging from education and healthcare to athletics and student success.
Listeners may follow the podcast on Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.