Just in: Cinc’y music director won’t renew

Just in: Cinc’y music director won’t renew

News

norman lebrecht

June 16, 2021

Louis Langrée says he won’t renew his contract beyond the 2023-24 season, his eleventh as music director.

‘This hasn’t been an easy decision to make because this Orchestra and the Cincinnati community have such a special place in my heart. But to keep the Orchestra fresh, relevant and vital, new leadership with other perspectives is necessary’, he said. ‘I chose to make this
announcement now to ensure a smooth and harmonious transition to my successor.’

Comments

  • Peter San Diego says:

    Wonderful sense of perspective by M. Langree. Bravo! I hope he finds a worthy new position… or enjoys some time sharing his talent widely as a guest conductor.

  • fflambeau says:

    Listeners might not realize this but the Cincinnati orchestra has sold more records than anybody. That was likely due to Erich Kunzel and Jesús López-Cobos

    • Karl says:

      I know. I have a lot of the Cincinnati recordings. Their recording of Mahler’s 10th Symphony is one of my favorites.

  • Barry says:

    I have no reason to doubt his sincerity, but do people on here think that a decade – the length at which his tenure will end, which includes a lot of missed time due to COVID – is as long as a Music Director should serve if an orchestra is to avoid getting into a stale routine?

    Actually, he hadn’t even held the post seven years when COVID hit and all concerts were put on hold. I would think after such a long forced break, there would be a feeling of freshness.

    • BRUCEB says:

      People, and relationships, vary. Maybe he doesn’t feel the way you would think he would.

    • MWnyc says:

      The Cincinnati Enquirer story made a point to mention that he settled his family in Cincinnati and his children are in the public schools there. I don’t know those kids’ ages, but it’s probably a good bet that 2024 is when the youngest of them finishes high school.

  • Julien says:

    Langree is a nice and authentic man. A real gentleman.
    Very rare in the conductors’ world. Wish him the best. He deserves it.

  • msc says:

    It is interesting that he does not seem to have anything else lined up.
    Keep an eye on Paolo Bartolameolli.

    • MWnyc says:

      Nothing else that we know about. And orchestras do go to some lengths to keep such matters secret until they are completely finalized.

    • fflambeau says:

      I agree with you MSC on Paolo B. Another one to keep an eye on is Ken-David Masur who might be an excellent fit if he can be lured from Milwaukee.

  • Trey says:

    I had the privilege of working with Louis and he is a truly special artist and person. He brings his total commitment and passion to music-making and has an unmatched generosity of spirit. Few can fully understand how much he gave of himself to the Cincinnati Symphony but much of the organization’s success is a credit to his tireless efforts.

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