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Charlotte Symphony conductor stepping down after upcoming season. Here’s what’s next.

May 11, 2021

By Adam Bell & Heidi Finley, The Charlotte Observer 

Christopher Warren-Green is turning in his baton and stepping down as the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra's music director at the end of the upcoming season, his 12th with the orchestra.

The orchestra made the announcement Tuesday, and also detailed its schedule for its 90th season, all with in-person concerts. At season's end, Warren-Green will assume the titles of conductor laureate and music adviser to the symphony as it searches for his replacement.

This remains a challenging time for the orchestra and other arts groups in Charlotte and around the nation. They are trying to recover financially from losses during the coronavirus pandemic and working to safely welcome back audiences to their venues.

In an exclusive interview with the Observer from his home in the English countryside, the maestro said neither the pandemic nor the regular travel "straddling the pond" influenced his decision to leave his post.

"Twelve years is long enough... It gets to a point where you want it to be a little quieter," Warren-Green said. "But you don't leave the orchestra in the lurch. You stand by them until they find the right person."

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