In a stunning announcement, the Seattle Symphony has issued a release stating that music director Gerard Schwarz will be stepping down at the conclusion of the 2010 – 2011 season. He will take on the role of conductor laureate beginning in 2011.
Seattle, WA “ Gerard Schwarz, Seattle Symphony’s Music Director since 1985, has announced he will step down from that post when his current contract expires at the end of the 2010-2011 season. Maestro Schwarz made the announcement today from Benaroya Hall, the majestic venue he helped build ten years ago this season. Beginning with the 2011-2012 season, Schwarz will assume the lifetime title of Conductor Laureate and return to conduct the Orchestra for several weeks each season.
“The Seattle Symphony is among the finest orchestras in the world today. It has been my privilege to work alongside such a dedicated group of individuals, from the fine musicians, to the Board, to the Symphony administration who have all come together for the sole purpose of creating great art,” said Schwarz in making his announcement.”As we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of our magnificent Benaroya Hall and our extraordinary artistic accomplishments, I believe it is a fitting time to relinquish my Music Director responsibilities of this Orchestra, which has come to mean so much to me over the last 24 years. With my new position, I will be afforded the opportunity to continue a relationship with this fine Orchestra and focus on the music-making I love so dearly.”
Download and read the complete press release here.
Read the story from today’s Seattle P-I.
And from today’s New York Times.