Ken-David Masur, the acclaimed music director of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (MSO), has announced his plans to step down from his position when his contract expires at the end of the 2025-'26 season. Masur's tenure has been marked by a transformative period for the orchestra, including the opening of the new Bradley Symphony Center and navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Guiding the MSO Through Unprecedented Times

A Tenure of Artistic Excellence

Masur's seven-year tenure as the MSO's artistic leader and primary conductor has been a period of remarkable growth and achievement for the orchestra. His arrival in Milwaukee coincided with the highly anticipated opening of the Bradley Symphony Center, the new home of the MSO. However, instead of celebrating this milestone, Masur and the orchestra faced the daunting task of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted the 2020-'21 season. Through his leadership and collaboration with the artistic staff, Masur steered the MSO through this challenging period, implementing a "Reimagined Season" of small-group performances streamed online and a gradual return to live music with audiences.

Shaping the Sound of the MSO

During his tenure, Masur has made a significant impact on the sound and composition of the MSO. He has hired more than 20 new musicians, including the appointment of Jinwoo Lee as the orchestra's new concertmaster. Masur has also championed both new and old music, with the MSO introducing 33 works from living composers by the end of the current season, including pieces by Jessie Montgomery, Wynton Marsalis, Anna Thorvaldsdottir, and Tan Dun. In a nod to his own musical heritage, Masur spearheaded the MSO's first Bach Festival in March 2024, featuring a week of community activities and performances.

Artistic Partnerships and Community Engagement

Masur's tenure has been marked by his commitment to artistic partnerships and community engagement. He established a program that brought pianist Aaron Diehl and vocalist Dashon Burton to Milwaukee for both concerts and offstage activities. Masur also became deeply involved in the MSO's Teen Choral program, visiting choral programs in local schools and conducting the culminating concert. As his final season as music director coincides with the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus' 50th anniversary, Masur will have the opportunity to showcase the orchestra's symphonic choral repertoire.

A Thoughtful Leader and Inspiring Visionary

Throughout his time with the MSO, Masur has been praised as a "thoughtful leader" who has crafted programs that have "inspired and engaged Milwaukee audiences," according to MSO Board Chair Susan Martin. As Masur prepares to depart the orchestra, the MSO will begin the search for its next music director, while continuing to celebrate and enjoy Masur's exceptional leadership and artistry during the 2025-'26 season.