ABOUT
A veteran of more than 1000 symphonic, opera, ballet, choral, and musical theater performances, David Itkin is Music Director and Conductor of the Abilene Philharmonic and Director of Orchestral Studies at the University of North Texas. His previous Music Director posts include the Las Vegas Philharmonic, the Lake Forest Symphony, the Birmingham Opera Theater, the McCall Summerfest, and the Lucius Woods Music Festival (Wisconsin).
Mr. Itkin has appeared as guest conductor with more than 50 orchestras worldwide, including the San Diego Symphony, the Winnipeg Symphony, the Transylvania State Philharmonic, the Slovenska Filhamonija, the Fort Worth Symphony, the Colorado Symphony, the Illinois Symphony, the New Hampshire Symphony, the Baltimore and Indianapolis chamber orchestras, and the Seoul Philharmonic. His other recordings include Lorz Lebic’s Cantico II with the Slovenska Filharmonia, Saxophone Espressivo (a collection of opera arias and popular songs with legendary saxophonist Eugene Rousseau), concerti by Libby Larsen, Claude Baker, and Henri Tomasi (also with Eugene Rousseau), and the premiere recording of Jake Haggie’s Ahab Symphony.
He is the author of Conducting Concerti (2014), The Conductor’s Craft (2021), and a memoir, Right Back Where I Started (2025).
UPCOMING
A THREE TENORS CHRISTMAS
A spectacular holiday event featuring three world-class voices and all-new custom arrangements.
This thrilling Christmas program showcases three extraordinary tenors performing iconic holiday favorites — with brand-new arrangements crafted uniquely for this production. The concert is conducted by the creator of the show, and supported by a rotating roster of four professional tenors who know the full score, ensuring availability for performance dates.
A local choir may be added for the final four selections, but the show can also be presented without one.
Cast Options
Featuring artists with major credits from the Metropolitan Opera, international opera houses, and leading U.S. companies:
- Carl Tanner — Turandot, Aida, MET Opera
- Arnold Rawls — Turandot (MET), Carmen (Opera Australia), more
- Dominick Chenes — Moby Dick (MET), Hoffmann (Palm Beach Opera), Norma (Leipzig)
- Samuel Cook — Elixir of Love (Spain/South Africa), Gianni Schicchi (Hessen State Opera)
Program Highlights
Three Tenors Overture • Silent Night/Joy to the World • Gesu Bambino • Through Children’s Eyes/Who Would Imagine a King • Panis Angelicus • This Christmas • Amazing Grace • Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas •
Ave Maria • The Lord’s Prayer • Happy Xmas (War Is Over) • O Holy Night • You Raise Me Up • Do You Hear What I Hear?
Encore: Puccini — Nessun Dorma
Cost
$7,000 for three singers and conductor, plus travel and accommodations.
If a local conductor is preferred, total cost is $6,500, with arranging fee adjustments as needed.
GENERATION ROCK
The greatest hits of the ‘70s and ‘80s — reimagined for powerhouse vocals and custom arrangements.
A high-energy concert featuring three dazzling vocalists from Broadway and the cabaret world, backed by custom arrangements and live piano. This show can be performed with a local conductor or with the creator conducting from the piano.
Featuring Kristen Herzenberg, celebrated for her performance as Christine in the Las Vegas production of The Phantom of the Opera.
Program (As of 11/18/25)
ACT I
Carry On Wayward Son • Joy to the World • Free Man in Paris • Kodachrome •
All By Myself/Solo Otra Vez • Africa • Sail On, Sailor • If I Could Turn Back Time • Blackbird/I Will/Here Comes the Sun • Proud Mary • Hey Jude
ACT II
What a Fool Believes • You’ve Got a Friend • Rikki Don’t Lose That Number •
No More Tears/Enough Is Enough • I Write the Songs • Dancing Queen •
Don’t Stop Believin’ • Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In
Encore: Let It Be
Cost
$6,000 for three singers and conductor/pianist, plus travel and accommodations.
Photos
Follow The Artist
Listed as: Conductor
