Springfield Symphony Orchestra Launches Search for New Music Director

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) announced its official launch of the search for its next music director, a step that President and CEO Heather Caisse-Roberts said will shape the artistic future of the organization. The SSO is the sole professional orchestra in Western Mass. and the largest in Massachusetts outside of Boston, with more than 70 contracted musicians.

“Launching the music director search marks a defining moment for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. We’re stepping boldly into our next chapter with a deep commitment to artistic excellence, community connection, and the future of symphonic music in Western Massachusetts,” Caisse-Roberts said. “The next music director of the SSO will not only shape our stage, but they will also shape our region’s cultural heartbeat. This is a monumental next step in the SSO’s history and represents a moment of possibility, momentum, and transformation, and we are ready.”

A formal Search Committee has been established, she added, including musicians, members of the SSO staff, SSO board members, and Renato Wendel, SSO’s director of operations, personnel manager, and artistic transition lead, who will serve as chair of the search committee. The committee will include a way for community input to be part of the hiring process.

The job description and application are live on the SSO’s website, springfieldsymphony.org. Applications will be accepted through Jan. 5, 2026, at which point a thorough process will begin to determine a shortlist of candidates. Finalists will then conduct one concert during the SSO’s 2026-27 season, with the next music director to be named in 2027.

“This is one of the most important investments we can make in the SSO’s future,” Caisse-Roberts said. “Establishing consistent artistic leadership is something that has been needed for a long time for stability, for a clear artistic identity, and for a deeper commitment to this community and to our musicians.”

Most recently, Kevin Rhodes served as the SSO’s music director for 20 years, from 2001 to 2021. Prior to that, Mark Russell Smith served as music director for five years, from 1995 to 2000.

The next music director will serve as the SSO’s principal conductor and will conduct an agreed-upon number of concerts each concert season while also identifying and engaging occasional guest conductors, soloists, and composers for performances. The music director will be tasked with driving the artistic vision of the SSO, honoring traditional symphonic programming while embracing innovation by developing diverse and compelling performances in collaboration with the president and CEO, the programming committee, and musicians.

The music director will also support and participate in the SSO’s long-standing education programs in collaboration with the education manager and youth orchestra conductors, and will be expected to build bridges with schools, universities, and cultural organizations across the region with the aim of growing audiences and inspiring the next generation. The music director will also collaborate with the SSO Chorus director to prepare and present performances involving the SSO Chorus.

The qualifications for the next music director include an advanced degree in music and significant professional experience conducting full-size symphony orchestras, with proven success in programming, rehearsal leadership, and audience engagement. The SSO is also looking for candidates who have experience conducting across a wide repertoire, including classical, pops, and hybrid performances, as well as new works and youth/education concerts. Residency in Springfield is not required; however, the music director must maintain a strong, visible, and consistent community presence.