For the last year and a half, the MSO has been hard at work on an international search for our next Music Director. It won't surprise you to know that we set our aim very high, but what may surprise you is how high we hit. We sought someone with world-wide experience and stature, proven talent, and a commitment to work hard to take our already fine orchestra to the next level. We didn't want a baby step, we wanted a leap. We've made one.

On behalf of the musicians, the board, and the staff of the MSO, I am proud and excited to announce the appointment of Edo de Waart as our new Music Director beginning in the 2009/10 season.