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March 11, 2026
Why has one of the world’s great conductors been shown the door?
Andris Nelsons is to leave the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The shock decision is strongly opposed by the players. What is going on, and what, should a music director’s role be? Plus: why Timothée Chalamet is an eejit
TL;DR
- The Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) will end its contract with music director Andris Nelsons after the 2027 Tanglewood season.
- The decision has surprised players and Nelsons himself, who stated it was not the decision he anticipated or wanted.
- The BSO board cited a lack of alignment on future vision as the reason for ending the relationship.
- Players expressed strong opposition to the decision.
- The article speculates that Nelsons' dual role with Leipzig's Gewandhaus Orchestra might be a factor, suggesting a need for a music director more embedded in the local scene.
- The Leipzig Gewandhaus musicians expressed solidarity with the BSO players, highlighting the mutual benefit of Nelsons' leadership.
- Karina Canellakis is suggested as a potential replacement, who would be the first woman to lead one of the US's Big Five orchestras.
- The article briefly touches on Timothée Chalamet's comments about ballet and opera, contrasting them with the enduring nature of live arts.
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