Franz Welser-Möst has announced that he will not renew his contract as Music Director of The Cleveland Orchestra beyond June 2027, making him the longest-serving musical leader in the ensemble’s history.
Since 2002, Welser-Möst has transformed the orchestra, maintaining precision while adding warmth and flexibility, solidifying its position as one of the world’s top symphonic ensembles. Under his leadership, the orchestra gained international recognition for innovative programming, opera presentations, educational initiatives, and support for new music. No less than The New York Times has raved on numerous occasions in recent years that The Cleveland Orchestra under Welser-Möst direction was the finest orchestra in the United States.
Welser-Möst’s tenure included over 1,100 performances across 21 countries and significantly contributed to the orchestra’s artistic innovation. He championed new compositions, resulting in 37 commissions from acclaimed composers. His focus on opera also saw the successful staging of 20 operas, including critically acclaimed productions.
Welser-Möst will certainly be missed in Cleveland.
