LSO Music Director & Conductor Nick Palmer announces the 2022-23 season will be his last with the Orchestra
LAFAYETTE, IN – The Lafayette Symphony Orchestra (LSO) Music Director and Conductor, Maestro Nick Palmer has announced he will be leaving the artistic helm of the music organization after 16 years. The 2022-23 season will be his final season with the LSO.
“For many of us, the darker days of the COVID-19 pandemic were an opportunity to reassess our future goals. That, along with the prospect of turning 65 in March and becoming a grandfather soon, have caused me to reimagine what the next few years might look like for me,” said Palmer in a statement.
“My additional workload outside of the LSO, including two future recordings with the London Philharmonic and Royal Scottish Philharmonic, as well as an increase in programming with the North Charleston Pops and an expanding role with the Altoona Symphony in PA, has influenced my decision-making process.”
A committee representing a variety of LSO and community constituents will be established later this year to guide the search for Maestro Palmer’s successor. The industry average for a music director search is approximately two years, including the interview process, as well as concerts programmed and conducted by final applicants. The LSO will also create opportunities for the public to participate in the selection process.
“The LSO is deeply grateful to Maestro Palmer for his direction and contributions to the growth of our organization,” LSO Executive Director Sara Mummey reflected. “We look forward to celebrating his time with the LSO over the coming 2022-23 season, and to deepening our commitment to fostering inclusion and diversity throughout the search process.” Maestro Palmer agrees, “I am so proud of what we have been able to accomplish as an organization: from the forefront of what an orchestra should be in the 21st-century, the LSO is constantly breaking new ground with innovative, inclusive programming and presentation.”
Maestro Palmer says the transition will be bittersweet. “I will cherish the many friendships I have forged in our community and appreciate the overwhelming support we have garnered throughout the years. The Lafayette community has and, I’m sure, will continue to have great pride in this wonderful organization.”
For information about the Lafayette Symphony and upcoming events, visit www.lafayettesymphony.org or call 765-742-6463.