Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra Will Begin Multi-Year Search For Next Music Director
Kalamazoo, MI (Monday, October 19, 2026) — The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra (KSO) Board of Directors announced today that they will open a search for the Symphony’s next Music Director in the coming months, a process expected to take multiple years. Current Music Director Julian Kuerti will conclude his tenure with the Symphony when his contract expires at the end of the 2027/28 season on July 31, 2028.
Over the next two seasons of performances, the Symphony will celebrate Kuerti’s accomplishments and tenure.
“The Symphony Board of Directors wants to express its appreciation to Julian for his leadership and service provided to the Symphony over the years,” says Karen Isble, Chair of the Symphony Board of Directors. “Under his artistic leadership, the Symphony brought opera back to Kalamazoo, featured world-renowned artists like Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax, and gave the world premieres of multiple new works. We look forward to the exciting performances yet to come under his leadership, and wish him continued success.”
Kuerti’s Tenure
Kuerti’s tenure began in the 2018/19 season and has been marked by nearly a decade of artistic creativity. Under his artistic leadership, the Kalamazoo Symphony produced its first opera in nearly a decade with a symphonically staged production of Giacomo Puccini’s “Tosca,” followed by a fully staged production of Leonard Bernstein’s “West Side Story.”The Symphony and Kuerti also collaborated with local organizations to create unique experiences and bridge symphonic music with other genres like hip hop and improv comedy.
His contributions during the pandemic were instrumental to the organization’s continued engagement with the community. By leading, creating, and editing digital content, he supported the Symphony’s ability to reach audiences during a time when the performing arts were inaccessible.
Championing new music, Kuerti and the Symphony commissioned and premiered more than 10 works, supporting today’s classical music voices. These commissioned composers include the late André Previn, jazz legend Branford Marsalis, James Lee III, and Kenedea Lee.
Under his artistic leadership, the Symphony performed with internationally acclaimed artists like cellist Yo-Yo Ma, violinist James Ehnes, pianist Richard Goode, and pianist Emanuel Ax.
“As I look back on the eight seasons I have served as Music Director, I am proud of the artistic vision I brought to the Kalamazoo Symphony, and of the work we have all done to help realize it: programming that challenged and delighted, and musical experiences that brought joy to so many,” says Kuerti. “I am grateful and humbled to have been trusted with this leadership, and I look forward to sharing my final two seasons with the musicians and you, the audience.”
What’s Next
The Board of Directors is approaching this transition as an opportunity to build on the Symphony’s strong foundation and thoughtfully shape its next chapter. The organization’s commitment to artistic excellence, community connection, and music education is at the heart of its work, and the next Music Director will bring new perspective and energy as the Symphony continues to be Kalamazoo’s symphony orchestra.
In the coming months, an internal search committee will be formed with representation from the Board, orchestra, and staff. Over the next two years, the committee will identify the Symphony’s next music director who will build on recent growth and artistically lead the Kalamazoo Symphony into its next era.
“Thanks to Julian’s contributions, we have a strong foundation on which to build,” says Symphony President & CEO Amy Williams. “This transition is an opportunity to honor what has been accomplished while looking confidently toward the excitement that comes next. This is an extraordinary moment for the Symphony, and our commitment to the community remains: we want to experience outstanding musical moments with you. We are excited to find a leader who will build on the Symphony’s growth and deepen our connection with the community.”
“We would like to sincerely thank Julian for his time, dedication, and contributions to the Kalamazoo Symphony,” says Nora Frisk, Co-Chair of the Symphony Musicians Committee, speaking on behalf of the Musicians Committee and Union Leadership. “We wish him all the best in his future endeavors and look forward to the opportunities and possibilities that lie ahead for our Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra.”
About the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra
The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra believes music has the power to bring people together. For more than 100 years, the Symphony has strengthened Southwest Michigan through inspiring performances, nationally recognized music education, and meaningful community partnerships. Led by President & CEO Amy Williams, the Symphony creates opportunities for people of all ages to experience the joy of live music and build lasting connections through shared musical experiences.
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