Cincinnati Symphony Concertmaster To Step Down Due to Ongoing Injury

Violinist Timothy Lees has announced that he will step down as Concertmaster of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra – due to a severe nerve injury effecting his fingers

American violinist Timothy Lees has today announced that he will step down as Concertmaster of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra at the end of the current season – due to a severe nerve injury effecting his fingers.

The violinist, who has served the leadership position since 1998, has been on extended leave from the ensemble since December of last year.

The orchestra has indicated Timothy will give up the title chair but will return as a member of the first violin section in the future - and has been named as the ensemble's Concertmaster Emeritus.

"I continue to work hard, receive treatments and remain committed to my craft, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the community we serve ..." Timothy has today said in a statement.

"While the timeline for my complete recovery is undetermined at this point, I look forward to returning to the Music Hall stage as a member of the CSO’s first violin section in the future," he has said.

“Tim is a wonderful musician and has played an integral role in Cincinnati’s musical life for 20 years ..." Orchestra Music Director, Maestro Louis Langrée has said.

"We all are grateful to him for his legacy as Concertmaster of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and look forward to welcoming him back on stage as Concertmaster Emeritus in the first violin section,” he has said.