El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia has announced that James Gaffigan will conclude his tenure as music director at the close of the 2024-25 season.

The U.S. American conductor has been with the company since 2021, and during his tenure, the orchestra expanded from 54 to 76 musicians. He has led a number of major productions include Mozart’s “Requiem,” directed by Roeo Castellucci, as well as the first performance of “Wozzeck” in Valencia. Under his watch, such classics as “Tristan und Isolde” and “Pique Dame” returned to Valencia.

“Valencia will always hold a special place in my heart,” said Gaffigan per an official press announcement. “I leave with the conviction that I leave Les Arts and its orchestra in a great situation and that my successor will continue to build on this moving forward.”

The conductor is set to return in 2025-26 to lead a few productions.