Conductor James Ross Renews Contract at Virginia's Alexandria Symphony Orchestra

Ross has also been appointed director of orchestral studies at the Curtis Institute of Music

The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra (ASO) recently announced a three-year contract extension for its Music Director, James Ross. He will remain with the orchestra until 2027. Ross has also recently been appointed as Director of Orchestral Studies at the Curtis Institute of Music, beginning in the 2024/25 school year.

Ross has led the National Youth Orchestra of the USA as orchestra director since its founding in 2013. He is an established and respected pedagogue, having taught conducting at The Juilliard School since 2011 and at the Curtis Institute since 2022. He served as professor and director of orchestral activities at the University of Maryland for 16 years and was also previously music director of the Orquesta Simfònica del Vallès in Barcelona, Spain.

Ross is also a strong advocate for cross-genre collaborations. In recent years, he has worked closely with choreographer and MacArthur Fellow Liz Lerman, polymath designer-director Doug Fitch, and video artist Tim McLoraine.

Ross's past conducting teachers include Kurt Masur, Oto-Werner Mueller, Seiji Ozawa, and Leonard Bernstein.

"Since arriving in Alexandria in 2018, Jim has infused the ASO with energy and creativity," said George Hanson, the ASO's Executive Director. "We are thrilled that Jim is continuing his role as ASO’s Music Director and are very pleased with the opportunities that his role with the Curtis Institute of Music will bring to our orchestra."