At today’s presentation held by the City of Leipzig at the Gewandhaus, it was announced that Andris Nelsons has renewed his contracts with both the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) and the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig (GHO). He has committed to a three year extension with the BSO with an evergreen clause in place reflecting a mutual intent for a long-term commitment well beyond the years of the new contract extension. With the GHO, Andris Nelsons has extended his contract for another five year period until at least 2026-27. This joint announcement is a reflection of the Alliance between the two orchestras. This special partnership will include an extensive and integrated media and residency project featuring the major symphonic works of Richard Strauss with both orchestras.

I am extremely grateful and honoured to continue my musical journey with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Gewandhausorchester Leipzig in the coming years: the dedicated trust my two musical families have placed in me as their conductor and colleague is truly a gift that I cherish so passionately and embrace with all my heart. The unique and precious bond we share, both as musicians and human beings, is at the heart of what enables us to grow together in our music making to create inspirational performances for our beloved audiences in Boston and Leipzig, as well as around the world.

The BSO/GHO Alliance is particularly gratifying in the way it has brought so many musical projects to the players of each of these great orchestras, to the students of their training academies, and to their respective music communities who have so enthusiastically embraced the collaborations that can spark new perspectives for both the musicians and their audiences. Our plans for the future together and individually are full of discoveries for new music and beloved masterpieces, exceptional touring and recording projects and further educational outreach programmes. Alongside these wonderful renewals, I am also looking forward to continuing with our current and future recording plans with our wonderful partners Deutsche Grammophon. I am very much looking forward to see all of these projects come to fruition!

For more information, please see the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s press release here, and the Gewandhausorchester’s press release here.