IdahoNews.co – March 19, 2025
Idaho Falls Symphony Leader Set to Exit in 2026
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Thomas Heuser, music director of the Idaho Falls Symphony, will leave his role after the 2025-2026 season. The 42-year-old Missouri native has led the nonprofit for 15 years, overseeing more than 100 concerts. Heuser also directs the San Juan Symphony in Durango, Colorado, where he lives. He says the travel between Idaho and Colorado cuts into family time, prompting his decision to step down and explore new opportunities.
Heuser started with the symphony in 2010 at age 28, after spotting the job listing while studying in Germany on a Fulbright Scholarship. Chosen from about 150 applicants, he was drawn by the symphony’s community focus and youth programs. He holds a bachelor’s degree in piano performance from Vassar College and has a background in piano, violin, and conducting.
During his tenure, Heuser connected with eastern Idaho through school visits, pre-concert talks, and outreach concerts in Driggs and Pocatello. He values his work with the Idaho Falls Symphony Youth Orchestra, watching students grow from age 9 to college. He plans to make his final season the best yet.
The Idaho Falls Symphony Board praised Heuser’s impact. Board President Kim Carpenter said he leaves “big shoes to fill,” while Executive Director Carrie Athay noted his skill has elevated the community. The search for a new music director will begin soon, with the hiring process expected to take two years. The position will be filled by the 2027-2028 season. Heuser says he’ll miss the musicians most, cherishing the close-knit bonds built over years of rehearsals and performances.
