Boston Symphony Orchestra to part ways with music director Andris Nelsons after 2027 season

The Boston Symphony Orchestra has announced that music director Andris Nelsons will step down at the end of the 2026–27 season, concluding more than a decade of leadership at Symphony Hall and Tanglewood.

Nelsons has served as the orchestra’s music director since the 2014–2015 season, following his appointment in 2013. During that time, he has led the BSO through a period of artistic growth, international recognition, and award-winning recordings.

Under his direction, the orchestra earned multiple Grammy Awards and expanded its global profile through touring and collaborations.

The planned transition marks the close of a significant chapter for the BSO, while allowing time for a thoughtful leadership change over the next year.

Nelsons will continue to lead performances through the end of his tenure, including upcoming seasons in Boston and at the Tanglewood Music Center in summer 2027.

Leadership transitions of this scale are typically planned well in advance, and the extended timeline gives the organization the opportunity to prepare for its next phase.

The Boston Symphony Orchestra remains one of the most respected ensembles in the world, with a long history of artistic excellence and a central role in the city’s cultural life.

As the search for a future music director unfolds, the focus remains on building on that legacy while continuing to deliver performances at the highest level.

For Boston audiences, Nelsons’ final seasons with the orchestra will offer a chance to experience his work during this closing chapter of his tenure.