Boston Symphony conductor ousted
The Boston Globe called the Boston Symphony Orchestra's dismissal of Andris Nelsons 'deeply unusual,' raising questions about leadership in the city's arts scene.
The BSO cited a "fundamental disagreement" with Nelsons about the orchestra's long-term direction as the reason for the non-renewal of his contract. The board of trustees made the decision. The announcement was described as unusually direct. Nelsons stated that the decision to end his tenure was not related to his artistic standards, performances, or achievements. He also committed to supporting the orchestra's stability until his departure. BSO musicians voiced strong support for Nelsons after the announcement. Chad Smith, the BSO's CEO, was known for "high-handedness" in his previous position with the LA Phil. Smith reportedly changed Nelsons' contract from fixed-term to rolling, which made it easier to dismiss him. Nelsons will now focus on his music directorship in Leipzig.
