Leonard Slatkin
Nashville Symphony’s newly appointed music director Leonard Slatkin is set to receive the prestigious Lincoln Medal on Sunday as part of the Ford’s Theatre Society’s annual gala in Washington, D.C. It’s a significant honor, celebrating Slatkin’s remarkable 60-year career, including his passion for music education along with his tireless advocacy for the nation’s repertoire. Yet even as he takes a moment to reflect upon his many accomplishments, Slatkin remains emphatically focused on the future.
“I’ve never really been one for looking back,” says Slatkin, a six-time Grammy winner and recipient of the National Medal of Arts. “But this is such a tremendous honor. And it’s especially gratifying to be recognized for my work in education, and as a champion of American music. These things are so important to me — it’s the work that keeps me energized.”
The internationally acclaimed conductor, composer, author and educator was named the symphony’s new music director in February following his previous appointment as music adviser in 2025. Slatkin also served as Nashville Symphony’s music adviser from 2006 through 2009, during the opening of the Schermerhorn.
“You know, about eight years ago, when I stepped down from my music directorship in Detroit, I really felt that I was ready to slow down,” he says. “I had run five different orchestras over the years, and thought that’s enough — I don’t need to be an administrator anymore. I would guest conduct, write music, write my books and those sorts of things. But then I was asked to advise the Las Vegas Philharmonic — just to help out as they searched for their new music director. And when [Nashville Symphony’s president and CEO] Alan Valentine called me and said they needed something similar in Nashville, I was happy to jump in. I’ve always loved the orchestra, from the first time I worked with them, and I’ve seen them fairly regularly over the years. But after a few trips to the city, talking through ideas and plans, it became clear that they needed more. And honestly, I realized that I’d been missing the work — that sense of putting all the pieces of the puzzle together. It’s a big job, but what an exciting time.”
Just a few days after eagle-eyed football fans spotted the Nashville Symphony’s former longtime music director Giancarlo Guerrero conducting d…
Slatkin says he is eager to build on the foundation created by music director laureate Giancarlo Guerrero, who concluded his tenure with the symphony in 2025, and he’s currently considering a wide range of initiatives pertaining to education and outreach. He’s particularly keen to explore opportunities for new technology and content development. A vibrant 81 years of age, Slatkin — who recently completed a nine-week, 10-city European tour — is constantly looking for ways to connect with new audiences through social media and on his own website.
“While on tour, I thought it might be fun to post a picture in each city, asking ‘Where in the world is Leonard Slatkin?’” he explains of a recent social media endeavor. “We added a video component, asking followers to guess where I was. It’s a small thing, but such fun, and it really created quite a buzz with people commenting and sharing. And that’s the goal — engagement, reaching people who are like, ‘Hmm, maybe we should check this out. Maybe we should go to a concert?’ I also like the idea of working with local university students to create new video content — things we could share in advance, or even during a concert. People listen with their eyes now. Of course, we never want to detract from the music, but there are so many ways to add to the experience, and to connect with new audiences.”
He also wants Nashville audiences to connect with individual members of the orchestra, whether in a concert setting or out in the community.
“It’s important for people to see and get to know the orchestra, just as they know the people playing on the hockey team or the football team,” says Slatkin. “Let’s get their faces up there on posters and banners, let’s get them out in the community. Even if you’ve never been to a concert, that recognition is important. That’s something the city can take pride in, and be inspired by.”
Slatkin hopes the 2026-2027 season also will serve to inspire, with programming that celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Schermerhorn, the 80th anniversary of the symphony itself and the nation’s 250th anniversary. September’s opening weekend is particularly notable — a decidedly American program that Slatkin says will feature as-yet-unnamed “high-profile members of the Nashville music community.” And in January, the symphony will record David Del Tredici’s Final Alice with soprano Hila Plitmann — something he calls “a bucket-list item.”
“It’s a sensational piece that calls for a virtuoso singer,” Slatkin says of the 1976 neoromantic piece, which is based on the last two chapters of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. “It’s one of the most important works in the repertoire, and this will be a significant recording for the orchestra. It’s also going to be a marvelous multisensory experience, with projected sets and other enhancements.
“It’s an exciting time. I’m thrilled to be back with Nashville Symphony, and feel privileged to be part of this next chapter.”
