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Andris Nelsons out as Boston Symphony music director in 2027
The orchestra's board of trustees cites a lack of alignment on future vision as the reason for not renewing his contract.
Published on Mar. 7, 2026
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Andris Nelsons, the Grammy-winning music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, will be leaving his position at the end of the 2026-27 season after 13 years with the orchestra. The BSO's board of trustees cited a lack of alignment on the orchestra's future vision as the reason for not renewing Nelsons' contract.
Why it matters
Nelsons' departure marks a significant change for one of the world's leading orchestras. His exit comes amid a wave of leadership changes at other major U.S. orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
The details
In a blunt announcement, the BSO's board of trustees and CEO Chad Smith said the decision to not renew Nelsons' contract was not related to his artistic standards, performances, or achievements during his tenure. Nelsons, who is currently leading the Vienna Philharmonic on a U.S. tour, expressed his commitment to continuing to perform with the BSO at the highest level until his departure.
- Nelsons was announced as BSO music director in May 2013, with his contract starting in the 2014-15 season.
- The orchestra announced contract extensions for Nelsons in 2015 and 2020.
- In January 2024, the BSO said Nelsons was given an evergreen rolling contract.
- Nelsons will depart the BSO at the end of the 2026-27 season.
The players
Andris Nelsons
The 47-year-old Latvian conductor who has served as the music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra since 2014.
Boston Symphony Orchestra
One of the world's leading orchestras, based in Boston, Massachusetts.
Chad Smith
The CEO of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, who previously held a position with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
What they’re saying
“The decision to not renew his contract was made by the BSO's board of trustees because, beyond our shared desire to ensure our orchestra continues to perform at the highest levels, the BSO and Andris Nelsons were not aligned on future vision.”
— BSO Trustees and CEO Chad Smith (wbal.com)
“While this is not the decision I anticipated or wanted, I am unwaveringly committed to you and to our work together. I understand the decision was not related to artistic standards, performances, or achievements during my tenure, and, therefore, my focus is straightforward: to protect the music, support the orchestra's stability, and continue to perform with the musicians of the BSO at the highest artistic level.”
— Andris Nelsons (wbal.com)
What’s next
The BSO will begin the process of finding a new music director to succeed Nelsons when his contract expires at the end of the 2026-27 season.
The takeaway
Nelsons' departure from the Boston Symphony Orchestra marks a significant transition for one of the world's premier orchestras, coming amid a broader wave of leadership changes at major U.S. symphony orchestras in the coming years.
