The Crossing’s Donald Nally Named to Interim Position at Eastman School of Music

Why It Matters

Nally’s appointment injects high‑profile industry expertise into Eastman’s choral curriculum, potentially elevating the school’s artistic output and student career prospects. It signals a shift toward integrating innovative, interdisciplinary approaches in elite music education.

Key Takeaways

• Nally appointed interim director of choral activities 2026‑27
• Will lead Eastman Chorale and Rochester Chorus
• Founder of Grammy‑winning ensemble The Crossing
• Succeeds Bill Weinert after 30‑year tenure
• Brings opera chorus experience from major US orchestras

Pulse Analysis

Donald Nally, the Grammy‑award‑winning founder of the innovative ensemble The Crossing, has been appointed visiting professor of conducting and ensembles and interim director of choral activities at the Eastman School of Music for the 2026‑27 academic year. The move places Nally at the helm of the Eastman Chorale and the Eastman‑Rochester Chorus, while he mentors graduate conductors in a program known for its rigorous training. Nally’s résumé includes leadership roles with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Welsh National Opera, and extensive work with top U.S. symphonies, positioning him as a bridge between contemporary choral practice and traditional repertoire.

Eastman’s choral department, long anchored by Bill Weinert’s three‑decade stewardship, now faces a transitional period that could reshape its artistic direction. Nally’s experience in commissioning new works and integrating multimedia elements aligns with Eastman’s recent push toward interdisciplinary collaboration. Graduate students will gain direct exposure to professional‑level rehearsal techniques and repertoire spanning early music to avant‑garde compositions, enhancing their marketability. The interim appointment also offers Eastman a testing ground for innovative programming before committing to a permanent director.

The appointment underscores a broader trend of elite conservatories recruiting active industry leaders to invigorate academic curricula. Nally’s network, which includes collaborations with the New York Philharmonic and Chicago Symphony, could open doors for joint projects, masterclasses, and touring opportunities for Eastman ensembles. As universities compete for top choral talent, the blend of professional credibility and pedagogical focus exemplified by Nally may become a benchmark for future hires. Ultimately, his tenure could elevate Eastman’s reputation as a launchpad for the next generation of choral innovators.