Andris Nelsons to Depart Boston Symphony After 2026-27 Season
Andris Nelsons, the music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO), will depart after the 2026-27 season, concluding a 13-season tenure. The BSO made this announcement in a pointed statement, citing a lack of alignment on future vision as the reason for not renewing Nelsons’ contract.
Background on Andris Nelsons
Andris Nelsons has garnered five Grammy Awards and is currently leading the Vienna Philharmonic on a U.S. tour. He expressed a commitment to the orchestra in a letter to BSO musicians and staff, emphasizing his focus on artistic performance and stability.
Career Highlights
- Made BSO debut in March 2011 at Carnegie Hall.
- Appointed music director in May 2013, with a five-year contract starting in the 2014-15 season.
- Contracts extended in 2015 and 2020; awarded an evergreen rolling contract in January 2024.
- Also serves as head of conducting at Tanglewood, the BSO’s summer venue.
- Previous positions include music director of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (2008-09) and chief conductor of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra since the 2017-18 season.
Personal Life
Nelsons married soprano Kristine Opolais in 2011, but they announced their divorce in 2018. His departure signifies a notable shift, as Boston will now have the third leadership vacancy among major U.S. orchestras.
Current Context in U.S. Orchestras
Nelsons’ exit follows recent announcements of other musical leadership changes. Gustavo Dudamel will leave the Los Angeles Philharmonic after 17 seasons to join the New York Philharmonic. Meanwhile, Franz Welser-Möst will depart the Cleveland Orchestra at the end of the 2026-27 season after 25 seasons.
Upcoming Leadership Changes
- Gustavo Dudamel – Leaving LA Philharmonic in summer 2023.
- Franz Welser-Möst – Departing Cleveland Orchestra in 2026-27.
- Klaus Mäkelä – Set to lead the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra starting in 2027-28.
As the BSO prepares for this transition, the organization remains focused on maintaining its artistic excellence and stability under new leadership in the coming years.
