Christoph von Dohnanyi, a renowned German conductor who led the Cleveland Orchestra for 18 years and elevated its international reputation, passed away at age 95. His tenure was marked by acclaimed recordings, extensive touring, innovative programming, and significant contributions to Cleveland's cultural infrastructure, including a major hall renovation. His family history included resistance against Nazi Germany, and he was celebrated for his precise, probing artistry and wide repertoire. Dohnanyi's influence extended globally through his work with various orchestras and festivals, leaving a lasting legacy in classical music.
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra has appointed Finnish conductor Klaus Mäkelä as its next music director, making him the youngest in the orchestra's history at 28. Mäkelä, known for his rapid rise in the classical music world, will assume the role in the 2027-28 season, following Riccardo Muti's tenure. His appointment comes after a global search and will see him leading the CSO through at least 2032. Mäkelä's exclusive recording contract with Decca Classics will also mark the orchestra's return to releasing albums under that label.
Klaus Mäkelä, a 28-year-old Finnish conductor, has been announced as the next music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, making him the youngest maestro in the ensemble’s 133-year history. Known for his charisma and clarity, Mäkelä will begin a five-year contract in 2027 at the age of 31, and will also take over as chief conductor of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam.
Esa-Pekka Salonen, the music director of the San Francisco Symphony, has announced his resignation, citing differing goals with the Board of Governors. Despite his innovative leadership and efforts to solidify the orchestra's reputation, financial struggles, including significant income loss during the Covid pandemic, have impacted the organization. The orchestra's healthy endowment stands at roughly $315 million, but the cancellation of an international tour and Salonen's departure have raised concerns about the institution's future in the arts community.
Esa-Pekka Salonen, the music director of the San Francisco Symphony, has announced his decision to step down when his contract expires next year, citing differences with the orchestra's board over cost-cutting measures and programming shifts. Salonen, known for his innovative approach to music and technology, expressed that he no longer shares the same goals for the institution's future as the board does. The split highlights the challenges faced by symphony orchestras in the wake of the pandemic and raises questions about the orchestra's ability to achieve Salonen's expansive vision.
Jaap van Zweden, the current music director of the New York Philharmonic, will begin a five-year term as the music director of the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France in 2026 after leaving his position in New York later this summer. He will also serve as the music director of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. Van Zweden, who started his career as a concertmaster in Amsterdam, expressed his excitement about joining the French radio orchestra in Paris and plans to focus on promoting new works, particularly contemporary pieces by French composers, during his tenure.
The Washington National Opera has appointed conductor Robert Spano as its new music director, filling a post that has been vacant since 2018. Spano, a well-established conductor and music director, will officially begin his three-year term in fall 2025 but will immediately adopt the title of music director designate. His extensive experience and particular penchant for new music make him an auspicious choice for the WNO, and he expressed excitement about leading an opera house for the first time in his career.
Austrian conductor Franz Welser-Möst has announced his decision to step down as music director of the Cleveland Orchestra in June 2027, marking the end of his 25-year tenure, the longest of any music director. This decision comes after Welser-Möst's recent cancer treatment, prompting him to reflect on his future. The Orchestra's President & CEO, André Gremillet, praised Welser-Möst's artistry and legacy, expressing gratitude for the remaining three and a half years of exceptional music-making under his leadership.
Jennifer Lopez's music director, Kim Burse, reveals that the 54-year-old singer stays at the top of her game by working hard and taking care of her personal wellness. Burse, who has collaborated with Lopez for 13 years, praised her dedication and incredible work ethic. She also expressed her belief that Lopez will not be retiring anytime soon. Burse discussed their preparations for the Super Bowl Halftime Show, highlighting the intense rehearsals and late-night meetings. She emphasized the transformation that occurs when celebrities like Lopez step on stage, earning them the title of "diva" as a positive reinforcement of their hard work and talent. Additionally, Burse served as the band leader for CMT's Smashing Glass: A Celebration of the Groundbreaking Women of Music television special, which honored Patti LaBelle and Tanya Tucker. She hopes the show inspires women to pursue their dreams and reminds them of their worthiness.
Riccardo Muti, the music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, will end his 13-year tenure leading Beethoven’s “Missa Solemnis” in June 2023. However, since his successor has not yet been named, he will be continuing as a kind of shadow music director next season, and possibly longer. Muti's time in Chicago has been widely reckoned an enormous success, taking the great Chicago Symphony Orchestra and making it even greater. His departure is a milestone as the generation of leaders born before the end of World War II passes.
Gustavo Dudamel has resigned as Music Director of Opéra National de Paris at the end of the 2022-23 season for personal reasons. Dudamel stated that he wants to spend more time with his family. The Opéra de Paris will communicate details about the upcoming 2023-24 season and any changes that may occur with Dudamel’s announced performances. Dudamel is set to become the Music Director of the New York Philharmonic during the 2026-27 season.
Gustavo Dudamel received a seven-minute standing ovation after conducting Mahler's Ninth Symphony in his first performance with the New York Philharmonic since agreeing to become their music director starting in 2026-2027. Dudamel will continue as music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Paris Opéra.
