The long-time conductor of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will step down in June 2021. Robert Spano has served as music director of the ASO for seventeen years, and in that time has won six Grammy awards with the orchestra, as well as commissioning and premiering numerous new works. His departure from the orchestra coincides with Spano's 20th year as music director of the 73 year old orchestra.
In a statement, Spano said, "After these many years of great personal and artistic fulfillment, this is an institution that I deeply love: our devoted board members, our committed staff, our enthusiastic audiences, our talented youth orchestra, our magnificent chorus, and of course, all these extraordinary musicians who constitute the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra."
While Spano will step down from his position as music director, he says he will remain involved with the orchestra as its conductor laureate, and will continue to appear on the podium, although less frequently.
The ASO will form a search committee to determine Spano's replacement.
The ASO has won six Grammys under Spano.
