Robert Spano
(c) Atlanta Symphony
Robert Spano, 56, has announced plans to conclude his tenure as music director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in June 2021. The 2020-21 season will mark his 20th year with the orchestra, making him one of the longest-tenured music directors of a major American orchestra. Following the 2020-21 season, he will assume the title of conductor laureate, and will continue to conduct it on a regular basis. A committee will be formed to begin the search for Spano’s successor.
“To end an intense artistic relationship is never an easy decision to contemplate, especially one as fruitful and inspiring as the one I have enjoyed as music director of this outstanding American orchestra,” Spano said in a news release. “Twenty years is a good benchmark to balance the long-term commitment I have made to the ASO with the necessity of looking towards its future as well as my own. … I believe that together, many shared goals and dreams have been achieved. After these many years of great personal and artistic fulfilment, this is an institution that I deeply love: our devoted board members, our committed staff, our enthusiastic audiences, our talented youth orchestra, our magnificent chorus and, of course, all these extraordinary musicians who constitute the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. I look forward to many return visits in the years ahead.”
