Conductor Kent Nagano to Step Down from Montreal Symphony in 2020

Montreal Symphony Orchestra Music Director Kent Nagano is set to step down from the ensemble at the conclusion of the 2019-2020 season

It has been announced today that Montreal Symphony Orchestra Music Director Kent Nagano is set to step down from the ensemble at the conclusion of the 2019-2020 season - after 16 years at the helm.

“After a long deliberation, I have decided not to accept the OSM’s invitation to extend my contract beyond that point …” Nagano, 65, has said.

"Over the past years we have accomplished nothing short of a miracle in shaping such a vital, financially stable, boldly innovative orchestra that continues to illuminate the relevance of the symphony orchestra for the 21st century,” the Japanese-American Maestro has said.

The orchestra has indicated they will move quickly to establish a process to select a successor and ensure a smooth transition.