WASHINGTON — Christoph Eschenbach plans to step down as music director from the National Symphony Orchestra in 2017 and will become conductor laureate for three years.
The National Symphony and Kennedy Center announced Wednesday that the 75-year-old Eschenbach decided he will not extend his position as music director after seven seasons.
Eschenbach joined the symphony in 2009. He is credited with refocusing the symphony’s approach to the core European orchestral music. The orchestra has commissioned or co-commissioned 11 new works under Eschenbach.
As conductor laureate, Eschenbach will spend at least two weeks with the National Symphony each season.
The orchestra’s board will form a search committee to find a new music director. New Kennedy Center President Deborah Rutter also has a background in classical music organizations, most recently heading the Chicago Symphony.
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