Thomas Dausgaard
Photo: Ulla C. Ekblom
The Seattle Symphony announced that Music Director Thomas Dausgaard, is stepping down from its role as Music Director, ahead of his originally planned final season in 2022/2023. Danish conductor Dausgaard, 58, who appeared regularly as a guest conductor since 2010 and became Principal Guest Conductor in 2014, began his tenure as Music Director of the Seattle Symphony in 2019. Of the decision to now step away from the music directorship, Dausgaard said, « The global challenges of these years have impacted each of us, our beloved Seattle Symphony and all of society. After much reflection, I have made the decision to step away from my role as Music Director of the Seattle Symphony. My partnership with Seattle has been rewarding beyond measure. My decision to step away at this moment when we’ve realized such collective artistic success is a result of these pandemic times, which centers the question for us all: how do we value our lives? I have enjoyed immensely my life with the Seattle Symphony, and it is time for me to move on. » The Symphony announced that it will soon welcome several guest conductors to step in at Benaroya Hall and continue the 2021/2022 season.
Dausgaard is currently the Chief Conductor of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. He also holds titles as Honorary Conductor of the Orchestra della Toscana (ORT) and the Danish National Symphony Orchestra, having previously served as its Chief Conductor from 2004–2011; and Conductor Laureate of the Swedish Chamber Orchestra, having served as Chief Conductor from 1997–2019.
