The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO) have announced an agreement with current Music Director Louis Langrée that extends the conductor’s contract with the ensemble starting in the 2017-2018 season. Mr. Langrée, who took up leadership of the CSO in September 2013, will now lead the Orchestra through the 2019-2020 season, the CSO’s 125th anniversary season.

The world-class CSO has seen unparalleled successes under Mr. Langrée’s leadership, including the inauguration of the Orchestra’s partnership with Cincinnati’s premier new music festival, MusicNOW, the popular community engagement program One City, One Symphony and the triumphant LUMENOCITY concert and image mapping event, which drew tens of thousands to Washington Park in the summers of 2013 and 2014.

Highlights of the 2014-2015 season have included a sold-out season opening gala concert with Lang Lang, the world premiere of André Previn’s Double Concerto, as well as the continuation of One City, One Symphony initiative, with the addition of “Louis’ Listening Party,” a special concert program during which Mr. Langrée gave in-depth background and insights into Mahler’s First Symphony during a live performance. The March 13-14 MusicNOW Festival program will again include two world premieres, as well as a groundbreaking performance with the CSO alongside the indie rock band The National. The season will conclude with performances featuring soloists Joshua Bell, Yo-Yo Ma and Martin Grubinger.

Highlights of the CSO’s 2015-2016 season include an invitation to perform at Lincoln Center’s prestigious Great Performers series in January 2016, the beginning of a two-year Brahms Festival, the return of MusicNOW, a One City, One Symphony program focused on the theme of freedom and dedicated to the legacy of Dr. Maya Angelou, as well as numerous guest artist debuts and celebrated returns.

Check out our interview with Louis Langrée from early 2014 HERE.