Injured US concertmaster is forced to bow out

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra has announced the sad resignation of its concertmaster, Timothy Lees.

Lees, who joined the CSO in June 1998, will remain a member of the first violin section. He has been on leave since December due to a nerve injury affecting the fingers of his left hand.

He has undergone cervical spine surgery since the condition first arose two years ago.

‘I continue to work hard, receive treatments and remain committed to my craft, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the community we serve,’ said Lees. ‘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. Given the important leadership role of
the Concertmaster week in and week out coupled with these ongoing medical issues, I have made the decision to relinquish that title. After two decades, I am truly honoured to be named Concertmaster Emeritus.’