Artistic Leadership

Music Director

Leonard Slatkin, called "America's Music Director" by the Los Angeles Times, is now a Detroiter. Slatkin's appointment was announced at a press conference Oct. 8, 2007 in Detroit's historic Orchestra Hall at the Max M. Fisher Music Center. He launches his tenure as the DSO's 12th Music Director commencing with the 2008-09 season. "We are thrilled and gratified to welcome Leonard Slatkin to Detroit as our next Music Director," said Anne Parsons, DSO President and Executive Director. "Leonard has an international reputation as one of the extraordinary conductors of our time. He combines incredible musicianship with enormous passion for his role as a visionary orchestra leader."

Principal Guest Conductor

A dynamic presence in the orchestral world, Peter Oundjian continues to make his mark as one of today's most exciting faces on the conducting scene. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra's new Principal Guest Conductor is known for his probing musicality, spirit of collaboration, and engaging personality, which have earned him accolades and frequent re-engagements. Stunning performances and cheering audiences prompted appointments at the Caramoor International Music Festival (NY), the Colorado Symphony and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, where he is currently in his second season as Music Director.

Fred A. & Barbara M. Erb Jazz Creative Director Chair

Michel Camilo is a composer and pianist extraordinaire. He is a bandleader, lecturer, and visiting professor. He is a chart-topping producer; a Grammy, Latin Grammy and Emmy award winner. He is the recipient of his native countryís highest civilian honors. He will serve as the Detroit Symphony Orchestsra's Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Jazz Creative Director for both the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons. 

Music Director Emeritus

Neeme Järvi, the DSO's celebrated Music Director for 15 years, is the Music Director Emeritus of the orchestra. Following his appointment in 1990, Maestro Järvi led the DSO to new artistic and institutional heights, attracting audiences in record numbers, leading acclaimed concerts, national and international tours, radio broadcasts and award-winning recordings. Under his leadership, the DSO became a symbol for the rebirth of Detroit. Järvi is the second-longest serving music director in the organization's history (famed Russian conductor Ossip Gabrilowitsch led the DSO from 1918 to 1936).