Cleveland Orchestra’s Music Director to Retire After Current Contract

Conductor Franz Welser-Möst will not be renewing his tenure when it concludes in 2027

Austrian conductor Franz Welser-Möst will retire as music director of the Cleveland Orchestra in June 2027, ending a 25-season tenure — the longest in the orchestra’s history.

He first conducted the Cleveland Orchestra in 1993 and became music director in the 2002/03 season, succeeding Christoph von Dohnányi. His tenure will surpass that of George Szell, who held the role for 24 seasons.

Previously, Welser-Möst held positions as principal conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, chief conductor and general music director of the Zurich Opera, as well as of the Vienna State Opera.

In September 2022, he withdrew from concerts in late October through the end of the year, due to treatments following the removal of a cancerous tumor.

Between his cancer treatments, which will be ongoing for the next 12 to 16 months, Welser-Möst returned to the podium this January to conduct the Cleveland Orchestra.

“I am immensely grateful for the extraordinary journey that I have had with The Cleveland Orchestra since I first came to Severance (Hall) more than 30 years ago,” Welser-Möst said in the press release. “It is both a special and an emotional moment as I reflect on what we have accomplished together. 

“But perhaps what matters most to me is the shared passion, the inspiring creativity, and the lasting friendships that I have had the privilege of building with our musicians, audiences, and fans around the world,” he continued. “The city of Cleveland, its people, and especially this wonderful orchestra will forever hold a special place in my heart.” 

“Today’s a bittersweet day for all of us at The Cleveland Orchestra,” added André Gremillet, the Orchestra’s president and CEO. “While we reflect upon and begin to celebrate the incredible artistry and legacy of Franz Welser-Möst, a great musician, a dear friend, and the chief architect of the Cleveland Sound in the 21st century, we recognize that we will deeply miss his passion, intellect, curiosity, and profound musicianship. 

“We are however comforted to have three and a half more years of exceptional music-making ahead of us with Franz as Music Director, and many more opportunities beyond that. His leadership has transformed this organization, instilling a flexibility and lyricism to the Cleveland Sound that is instantly recognizable.”