JoAnn Falletta, the artistic leader of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra who put the organization on the national radar, announced today that she will conclude her tenure as music director in June 2020.
The native New Yorker has been in the position for 27 years. In that time, the VSO has performed in prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall in New York City and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., in addition to winning several awards and making 18 recordings.
”As the orchestra and I have had the chance to make so much great music here, I have also been active outside of the region and will continue to conduct nationally and internationally,” Falletta said. “After 27 years, my paramount interest is in the health, security and stability of the Virginia Symphony. I believe that overlapping my last years as music director with a thorough and serious search for a new music director will ensure a seamless and happy transition. I love Hampton Roads and will continue to keep my apartment in Norfolk and to enjoy living here part time.”
The VSO has premiered many new works under Falletta’s leadership, including the world premiere two weeks ago of “Night Owl,” a piece by composer Michael Daugherty specially commissioned for the VSO by local philanthropists Susan and David Goode.
“Under JoAnn’s leadership,” said Rob Cross, artistic director of the Virginia Arts Festival. “the Virginia Symphony has achieved national attention and critical acclaim that no one could have imagined two decades ago. Her vision for the orchestra has raised the bar for all of the local arts organizations in Hampton Roads, and her shoes will be hard to fill.”
A search committee will be appointed to select a new music director.
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