Grand Rapids Symphony Names Their New Music Director [Photo Gallery/Video]

The Grand Rapids Symphony has named conductor Marcelo Lehninger as its next music director.

The Brazilian-born conductor, who has led the Grand Rapids Symphony twice in the past two seasons, becomes the 14th music director in the 86-year history of the orchestra.
Lehninger was the unanimous choice of the Grand Rapids Symphony’s Music Director Search Committee following his electrifying performance of Dvorak’s “New World” Symphony No. 9 in February 2015 and an explosive performance of Respighi’s “Pines of Rome” this past April.

The Grand Rapids Symphony’s board of directors, which two weeks ago adopted a 5-year Strategic Plan to guide the organization into the future, voted unanimously this morning to offer Lehninger a 5-year contract as music director. The appointment through the 2020-21 season is effective July 1.

As music director, Lehninger will be in charge of all artistic matters for the Grand Rapids
Symphony, which operates its 40-week season on a budget of $9 million.
Planning concerts, choosing repertoire, selecting guest artists, and auditioning musicians to fill vacancies within the orchestra are among the duties expected of its artistic leader.

Today's music director also is expected to play a role in audience development, outreach, fundraising, and collaboration beyond the concert hall.

Beginning with the 2017-18 season, the 36-year-old conductor will lead a majority of concerts on the Grand Rapids Symphony’s Richard and Helen DeVos Classical series and will make podium appearances on other symphony series as well.

Lehninger, who just completed a four-year tenure as music director of the New West Symphony Orchestra in Los Angeles, said he’s excited to begin work with the Grand Rapids Symphony.

“This city is very lucky to have such a fantastic orchestra, led by a dynamic staff and dedicated board,” he said. “My family and I can’t wait to become a part of this beautiful community.”

At the announcement Thursday, Lehninger said he's looking forward to moving his family to Grand Rapids and becoming a true "Grand Rapidian". Though, he says, the winters will be a little difficult to get used to.