Ward Holmquist is a distinguished figure in the world of classical music, celebrated for his contributions as a conductor, artistic director, consultant, and opera coach. With over three decades of experience in the classical performing arts, Holmquist's career is marked by significant accomplishments in leadership, innovation, and education.

Holmquist's tenure as the Artistic Director of the Lyric Opera of Kansas City from 1998 to 2015 stands out as a highlight of his career. During this period, he was instrumental in programming and casting over 70 main stage productions. His leadership brought major innovations in performance quality and helped the company achieve national prominence. Under his guidance, the Lyric Opera experienced steady growth, doubling its company budget without recording a financial loss throughout his tenure. This achievement underscores Holmquist's strong fiscal responsibility and his ability to steer the organization towards sustainable growth.

As a conductor, Holmquist has led numerous productions, including notable operas like Turandot, Nixon in China, Hamlet, The End of the Affair, Julius Caesar, and the world premiere of John Brown. His expertise is not limited to opera; his work with the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra highlights his versatile musicianship and passion for discovering and showcasing vocal talent. Holmquist's ability to identify and nurture emerging artists, such as tenor Josh Lovell, exemplifies his commitment to the future of classical music.

Holmquist's tenure as the Artistic Director of the Lyric Opera of Kansas City from 1998 to 2015 stands out as a highlight of his career. During this period, he was instrumental in programming and casting over 70 main stage productions. His leadership brought major innovations in performance quality and helped the company achieve national prominence. Under his guidance, the Lyric Opera experienced steady growth, doubling its company budget without recording a financial loss throughout his tenure. This achievement underscores Holmquist's strong fiscal responsibility and his ability to steer the organization towards sustainable growth.

As a conductor, Holmquist has led numerous productions, including notable operas like Turandot, Nixon in China, Hamlet, The End of the Affair, Julius Caesar, and the world premiere of John Brown. His expertise is not limited to opera; his work with the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra highlights his versatile musicianship and passion for discovering and showcasing vocal talent. Holmquist's ability to identify and nurture emerging artists, such as tenor Josh Lovell, exemplifies his commitment to the future of classical music.

In addition to his achievements in music and opera, Holmquist has embraced the digital world with a forward-thinking approach. Through Holmquist Consulting LLC, he combines his musical interests with digital innovation, advising clients on enhancing their digital presence and training them in various digital tools. His work includes website design, photography, video production, and the creation of interactive mobile platforms.

Holmquist is also the mind behind the podcast “Tech in Art: Performance on the Digital Stage,” where he shares positive stories about artists adapting to and thriving in the digital landscape. This initiative reflects his broader vision for the arts in the digital age, offering insights and inspiration to a wide audience.

His contributions to the Lyric Opera of Kansas City during its move to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts illustrate Holmquist's visionary leadership. He anticipated that the move would elevate the company to the same production level as the world's best opera houses, enhance audience experience, and expand programming possibilities. His excitement for the opportunities provided by the Kauffman Center demonstrates his ability to dream big and think strategically about the future of classical performance.

Holmquist's academic credentials include degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory and the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign. He also received a Fulbright study grant for conducting at the Hochschule für Musik in Vienna, Austria. On a personal note, he is married to Julie Ungashick Holmquist and has one stepdaughter.