Building Harmony Through Music with Delta David Gier

When Delta David Gier became Music Director of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra (SDSO) in 2004, he brought with him a vision of transformation. Inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2020, Gier is celebrated for elevating the state’s symphonic presence on the national stage and for fostering deep, authentic connections through music.

A Life Rooted in Music

Gier grew up surrounded by music. His mother loved to sing, and his father, a biochemistry professor, played several instruments. That early immersion inspired a lifelong calling. After attending the Interlochen Arts Camp and later studying music through college and graduate school, he earned a Fulbright scholarship, conducting orchestras throughout Eastern Europe. His career eventually led him to the New York Philharmonic, where he served as Assistant Conductor before accepting the role in Sioux Falls that would define his legacy.

A Bridge Between Cultures

When Gier arrived in South Dakota, his mandate was to take the symphony “to the next level.” He did so by transforming not only the sound but the soul of the organization. Under his leadership, the SDSO gained national recognition, with features in The New York Times and The New Yorker.

One of his most groundbreaking contributions is the Lakota Music Project, a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the symphony and Native musicians. What began as a conversation about diversity and representation became a living partnership of friendship, respect, and shared artistry. “The secret to the success of the Lakota Music Project is that we built it together,” Gier explained. 

What started as a bridge between cultures has grown into the Bridging Cultures program, which connects South Dakota’s orchestral tradition with communities of Native, Hispanic, Chinese, and South Asian heritage.

Gier also championed contemporary composers, introducing audiences to Pulitzer Prize–winning works and bringing national attention to the orchestra’s innovative programming. “An orchestra should serve its unique community uniquely,” he said. This philosophy has shaped two decades of visionary leadership.

Building Relationships

Throughout his career, Gier has emphasized listening, learning, and building relationships. “My first lesson was learning to shut up and listen,” he recalled of early meetings with Lakota leaders. His humility and persistence have inspired countless musicians to look beyond performance and toward purpose.

For young artists, his message is clear: passion must be matched with perseverance. “How bad do you want it?” he asks students, sharing, “It’s not a job. It’s a calling.”

A Lasting Impact

Today, the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra stands as a national model of innovation, collaboration, and community connection. Through projects like the Lakota Music Project, Gier has shown how music can dissolve boundaries and deepen understanding.

Delta David Gier’s story is a testament to vision, dedication, and harmony within music and between people.

Watch the full interview below with 2020 Inductee, Delta David Gier, Music Director of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, and Marci Burdick, a South Dakota Hall of Fame Board Director.