Tucson Symphony Orchestra Announces Two New Agreements

by Tucson Symphony

Extension of Music Director José Luis Gomez’s Contract through 2027

Ratification of New 3-Year Contract with TSO Musicians

Tucson — Appointed Music Director of TSO in 2016–17 season, José Luis Gomez has been taking the orchestra to new heights ever since. With this extension, he will continue to lead the orchestra through the 2026–27 season, allowing for more exciting growth and engagement with the Tucson community.

“I am thrilled that José Luis has agreed to extend his leadership and artistry to the Tucson Symphony for a further three years,” says Paul Meecham, President and CEO. “His vision for the TSO as a community-embraced cultural jewel of our region drives his innovative programming and passionate desire to connect with all southern Arizonans through music.”

“Over years the Tucson Symphony Orchestra has become my extended family and I am thrilled and honored to continue our artistic growth together,” says Maestro Gomez. “To have the chance to continue working with the superb and talented musicians of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, creating exciting and fantastic musical experiences is an honor that I cherish deeply and I am beyond excited of the great projects we already have in place and the ones that are coming up very soon!”

After an unprecedented, challenging few years dealing with COVID-related cancelations, TSO management and musicians engaged in collaborative, fruitful discussions to reach agreement on a 3-year contract, effective September 1, 2022 at the start of the 2022–2023 season. The contract provides wage increases and improved benefits for the outstanding musicians of the orchestra and allows the organization to maintain fiscal stability while continuing to grow artistically under the leadership of Maestro José Luis Gomez.

“We’re pleased to announce a new 3-year agreement and look forward to an exciting an innovative season,” says Carlie Rigg, Chair of the TSO Musicians’ Orchestra Committee.

Gomez and the orchestra are poised to present their boldest season yet, including the inaugural ¡Celebracion latina!, a new series sponsored by HSL Properties that pays tribute to the rich and unique cultural heritage of the region. The season also includes TSO premieres, commissions, and debuts of rising stars as both conductors and guest artists.

About the Tucson Symphony Orchestra

The first professional symphony orchestra in the Southwest, the TSO is the longest continuously performing professional arts organization in Arizona, where it impacts more than 120,000 lives each year. The mission of the organization is to engage, educate and transform our community through live musical experiences of the highest quality. Under the baton of Music Director José Luis Gomez, the TSO engages with audiences of all ages through concerts, educational programming, and outreach.

For more information, visit Tucsonsymphony.org