Toledo Symphony announces new director

The Toledo Symphony Orchestra announced their new Music Director.

Canadian conductor, Alain Trudel, will take the helm as the Music Director beginning in the fall of 2018, the start of the TSO's 75th season.

According to the TSO website, until then, Trudel will serve as the TSO’s Music Director Designate. He will conduct two performances in the 2017-2018 season, including the music of Rachmaninoff, Liszt, Berlioz, and Mozart.

His will be Music Director Designate from June 9, 2017 to June 30, 2018. His three-year contract as Music Director will run from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2021.

“Alain’s appointment concludes a two-year search for our next Music Director,” said TSO President & CEO Zak Vassar. “In his evaluation, he received unanimous support from the Toledo Symphony’s musicians, trustees, search committee, and staff,” Vassar added. “I look forward to working with Alain and beginning an exciting new chapter in the TSO story.”

“The Symphony is extremely fortunate to attract a conductor as gracious and talented as Alain Trudel,” said Randy Oostra, chairman of the TSO Board of Trustees and President and CEO of ProMedica. “He quickly connected to the musicians and the audience when he was here in April. His joy for music is obvious, and he will share that joy not only with our audiences, but also with individuals and groups throughout the communities of northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. “

The TSO website announced that Trudel is delighted to join the team of the Toledo Symphony Orchestra. "I am very excited to join such a great family of artists who share my common goals of excellence, education, and community involvement," Trudel said. "I am humbled to be entrusted with the leadership of the orchestra and look forward to leading us all to new heights of artistry and relevance in our community."

Trudel replaces Stefan Sanderling at the TSO podium. Sanderling left the Symphony in May after 15 seasons as Principal Conductor.