Artistic Director & Chief Orchestrator
Taras Nahirniak brings decades of experience in choral music and arranging to his role as Artistic Director and Chief Orchestrator for the Kids From Wisconsin. A passionate advocate for youth performance and music education, Taras arranges and orchestrates dynamic vocal and instrumental shows that reach thousands of community members each year.
Beyond his work with Kids, Taras is a nationally recognized choral arranger, composer, and clinician, with published works performed by vocal ensembles, marching bands, and drum corps across the U.S., Europe, and Japan. He is an alumnus and longtime arranger for the UW–Madison Wisconsin Singers and was honored with the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association Composer’s Award for his contributions to the field.
His commissioned works include the five-movement orchestral suite Night Dances, premiered by the Madison Symphony Orchestra for the opening of the Overture Center, and his original musical Everyman, which debuted in Madison and later toured to California.
Director of Music
Taras Nahirniak currently serves as the Director of Music at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc, WI, where he leads a vibrant and inclusive music ministry. Drawing on his extensive background in choral music and arranging, Taras directs vocal and instrumental ensembles that enhance worship through thoughtful, creative, and spiritually grounded music.
His work includes arranging original pieces for seasonal services such as Lent, Easter, and Christmas, as well as composing new works tailored to the congregation’s needs. Taras is passionate about using music to bring people together and deepen the worship experience, blending tradition with contemporary expression in every service.
Through his leadership, the church’s music program continues to grow as a place for community, faith, and musical excellence.