(Credit: Simon Pauly)

The Grand Teton Music Festival Board of Directors has announced the extension of Music Director Sir Donald Runnicles’ contract.

Originally the the contract was set to end in 2026, but now Runnicles will remain Music Director through 2029. This brings his tenure with the Festival to 23 years.

In a statement, Co-Chairman of the Board, David Donovan said, “I speak on behalf of the entire Board when I share our gratitude and admiration for the leadership of Sir Donald Runnicles. We are delighted that with his guidance, GTMF will continue to bring world-class music experiences to the Jackson Hole community. Our Board recently completed an extensive strategic vision project, and time and time again, the community of musicians, staff, and audience members expressed gratitude for Donald’s stewardship.”

Runnicles added, “Since 2005, this remarkable orchestra and unique Festival have informed, enriched and changed my life. The privilege and responsibility to be at the artistic helm for a further six years fills me with pride and humility. My thanks to the Board for this enormous vote of confidence. My thanks to the musicians of this great orchestra for their limitless trust and their permission to take our music making to new heights. My thanks, too, to our extraordinary audience and Jackson Hole community. May the auspicious beginning to this, our 62nd season, be a further reminder of how supreme the music making is and what there is still to achieve.”

Runnicles has been the Music Director of the Deutsche Oper Berlin since 2007 and is set to hold the position through 2027. He also served as Music Director and Principal Conductor of the San Francisco Opera as well as Principal Guest Conductor of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Principal Conductor of the Orchestra of St. Luke’s