Philip Mann and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra announced Thursday that the 2018-19 season will be Mann’s last as ASO music director.
The ASO has also asked Mann, who has served as its director since 2010, to be its first-ever music director laureate. The organization hopes that Mann will be able to continue his relationship with it as he grows his international conducting presence and broadens his role within classical music.
“For eight seasons, we’ve been delighted to have Maestro Mann on the podium to lead some of the most talented musicians performing some of the best music in the world here in Arkansas,” ASO Board Chairwoman Jan Hundley said in a news release. “We know that Philip wants to broaden his musical influence internationally, and we wish him much success, as we know other people around the world will be as enriched and impressed by his talents as we have been.”
Mann said in the release, “I’ve been extremely fortunate to be the recipient of many honors in my life, but none compare to the honor of working with the musicians of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.”
Over the course of his tenure, the ASO said it has experienced dramatic programmatic growth and greater statewide impact. Preparations are underway for Mann’s farewell season, and plans for a celebratory performance to conclude his tenure as music director are forthcoming.
“As we look ahead to next season and beyond, Arkansans should rest assured that we are a thriving, financially stable organization and our priority is to provide engaging, high-quality performances and offer music education initiatives around the state,” ASO CEO Christina Littlejohn said in the release. “The ASO leadership will take time to consider the best long-term decisions for the community and will invite new ideas from patrons about how to position the ASO for continued growth and stability for generations to come.”
Littlejohn also said the ASO will not immediately begin its search for a new music director.
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