Renowned Conductor Leonard Slatkin to Receive Lincoln Medal

Slatkin to be honored for his decades-long contributions to classical music in Nashville.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:24am

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Internationally acclaimed conductor Leonard Slatkin has been named the new music director of the Nashville Symphony. Slatkin, who has won six Grammy Awards over his illustrious 35-year career, will also be awarded the prestigious Lincoln Medal in recognition of his significant contributions to classical music and the arts.

Why it matters

Slatkin's appointment as music director of the Nashville Symphony is a major coup for the city, further cementing its reputation as a hub for classical music and the performing arts. The Lincoln Medal, one of the nation's highest civilian honors, underscores Slatkin's status as one of the preeminent conductors of his generation.

The details

Slatkin, who previously served as music director of the St. Louis Symphony and the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C., will take on his new role with the Nashville Symphony effective immediately. In addition to his conducting duties, Slatkin will also be involved in community engagement initiatives and educational programs aimed at expanding access to classical music.

  • Slatkin was announced as the new music director of the Nashville Symphony on April 6, 2026.
  • Slatkin will be awarded the Lincoln Medal, one of the nation's highest civilian honors, in a ceremony later this year.

The players

Leonard Slatkin

An internationally acclaimed conductor who has won six Grammy Awards over his 35-year career. Slatkin will be the new music director of the Nashville Symphony.

Nashville Symphony

A renowned classical music organization based in Nashville, Tennessee that has appointed Leonard Slatkin as its new music director.

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What they’re saying

“When you look at the people who've received one of these awards, you become quite humbled.”

— Leonard Slatkin, Conductor

What’s next

Slatkin will be formally awarded the Lincoln Medal in a ceremony later this year, recognizing his lifetime of achievements in classical music.

The takeaway

Slatkin's appointment as music director of the Nashville Symphony and his selection for the prestigious Lincoln Medal underscores his status as one of the most respected and influential conductors of his generation, further cementing Nashville's reputation as a hub for classical music and the performing arts.