Andris Nelsons extends Boston and Leipzig stay

Andris Nelsons has signed a contract extension with Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) that will see him stay as music director until at least the end of the 2024-25 season. At that point, the Latvian conductor will have been with the ensemble for just over 10 years.

His original contract was set to expire at the end of the 2021-22 season.

Nelsons also announced that he has extended his contract with Gewandhausorchester Leipzig (GHO), with his position being part of an alliance agreement between the two ensembles. His contract with GHO now runs until July 2027.

As part of the deal Nelsons will spend at least 12 weeks with BSO each season. He will also lead a minimum of two weekends of concerts at Tanglewood.

“It is with great optimism and enthusiasm that I welcome the opportunity to continue my close collaboration with the musicians of the extraordinary BSO,” remarked Nelsons.

“The continuation of the BSO/GHO Alliance is particularly gratifying in the way it has brought so many musical gifts to the players of each of these great orchestras, to the students of their training academies, and to their respective music communities who have so enthusiastically embraced the collaborations that can spark new perspectives for both the musicians and their audiences.”

Added BSO president and CEO Mark Volpe: “The extension of Andris Nelsons’ contract is an especially meaningful moment for all of us at BSO grappling with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This wonderful news points to the orchestra’s bright future and the time we will be together again as a devoted community with our beloved BSO and its treasured music director, the singular Andris Nelsons.”