Franz Welser-Möst to Conclude 25-Year Tenure as Cleveland Orchestra Music Director in 2027

In Friday’s (1/12) Cleveland.com, Zachary Lewis writes that George Szell’s “reign as the Cleveland Orchestra’s longest-serving music director ends in June 2027, when Franz WelserMöst completes his 25th and last year on the job. At that time, according to an announcement Thursday, Welser-Möst will step down, having occupied the podium one year longer than his distinguished forerunner. ‘After 25 years, I think it’s time,’ said Welser-Möst in an interview in late December. ‘I never thought I would stay this long. It’s important now for the institution to get some fresh ideas.’ André Gremillet, the orchestra’s president and chief executive, described the news of Welser-Möst’s plans as ‘bittersweet…. His leadership has transformed this organization, instilling a warmth and empathy to music-making that we have never had before.’… By announcing his decision three years out, Welser-Möst allows the Cleveland Orchestra time to identify a successor and himself time to complete a number of items on his to-do list including musician appointments and artistic projects…. Since taking over as music director in 2002, he has presided over more than 1,100 performances in Cleveland and in venues all over the world.”