Oregon Symphony Music Director Carlos Kalmar to Step Down

The Oregon Symphony has announced that long-serving Music Director, Carlos Kalmar will step down from the ensemble

The Oregon Symphony, in Portland, Oregon, United States has this week announced that long-serving Music Director, Carlos Kalmar will step down from the ensemble – effective from the end of the 2020-21 season.

The 61-year-old has led the orchestra for the past 18 years.

“Under the leadership of Maestro Kalmar over 18 seasons, the Oregon Symphony has evolved into the internationally acclaimed orchestra it is today ..." Oregon Symphony President, Scott Showalter has this week said.

"Kalmar has championed bold artistry both on and off the stage, and his commitment to growth and excellence has buoyed the creative spirit of the orchestra, paving the way for the Symphony’s next era," he has said.

“It will be bittersweet to have this season as my last with the Oregon Symphony ... over the 18 years I’ve been here, we performed moving, relevant, diverse music for everyone ..." the Uruguayan-born conductor has this week said.

"We elevated conversations about important issues that impact our community ... and we brought the community together through shared experiences ... I know the Symphony will continue to do these things for years to come because the Symphony cares about this community and is part of its very fabric,” Carlos Kalmar has said.