Nashville Symphony Orchestra has appointed Leonard Slatkin as its Music Director.

Slatkin will assume his position for three years through the 2028-29 season and will begin his tenure at the beginning of the 2026-27 season. Slatkin was previously the orchestra’s Music Advisor from 2006 to 2009.

As Music Director, Slatkin will provide artistic leadership and help establish the framework for the Nashville Symphony’s education and community engagement initiatives, as well as its strategic direction. He will also conduct six of the 14 Classical Series concerts during the 2026-27 season.

In a statement, Alan D. Valentine, President and CEO of the Nashville Symphony said, “This is a significant moment for the Nashville Symphony. Maestro Slatkin is one of the most respected artistic leaders in American music, and he understands this orchestra in a deeply personal way. His appointment ensures we will move forward with clarity, a deep commitment to artistic excellence, and momentum. We are excited to partner with him in shaping the next chapter of the Nashville Symphony, one grounded in extraordinary music-making and expanded community impact. As my own July retirement date approaches, Leonard’s appointment as Music Director is also reassuring to me that I will leave the institution in the best of hands, artistically.”

Slatkin added, “Twenty years ago, I was fortunate enough to be involved with the opening of Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Over time, the orchestra and I have continued to work together. Now, I feel this is the right time and place for me to be. This three-year term will be the start of a new chapter for the Nashville Symphony. I will work closely with everyone to help develop a framework for the future. In a city that is developing by leaps and bounds, there is every reason to believe that the Nashville Symphony and Schermerhorn Symphony Center will be at the heart of this renaissance. I am privileged to be a part of this growth.”

Slatkin has held leadership positions with many of the world’s top orchestras, including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre National de Lyon, National Symphony Orchestra, Orquesta Filarmónica de Gran Canaria, Las Vegas Philharmonic, and St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.

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