Chautauqua, N.Y.- Chautauqua Institution today announced a four-year extension for Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra (CSO) Music Director and Principal Symphonic Conductor Rossen Milanov. The extension follows 10 successful seasons of CSO programming on Chautauqua Institution’s renowned Amphitheater stage.

“I am overjoyed that Chautauqua Institution will continue to be blessed with Maestro Milanov’s leadership in the coming years,” said Vice President of Performing and Visual Arts Laura Savia. “Rossen is a consummate musician, a discerning leader and a brilliant and collaborative colleague. Whether commissioning a work by a living composer or preparing a Mahler symphony, his conducting acumen ensures the highest quality of artistry on our Amphitheater stage. Rossen’s work embodies one of Chautauqua’s deepest-held values, ‘excellence and creativity in the appreciation, performance, and teaching of the arts,’ both onstage and off.”

Throughout his tenure, Milanov has conducted 11–15 unique programs each summer featuring major symphonic repertoire, contemporary American composers, and commissions. He leads or advises on all aspects of programming and personnel for the CSO, which performs 24 concerts each summer. Under Milanov’s baton, the CSO has performed with major dance companies such as the Washington Ballet, Houston Ballet and Paul Taylor Dance. His mentorship and leadership have had lasting effects on those who have worked with and played for the CSO, including through the selection of Fellows who have landed permanent positions in orchestras across the nation, including the CSO. Milanov is credited with raising the orchestra’s artistic level, making the CSO one of the highest-attended programs in the Institution. His leadership was also pivotal as the orchestra navigated the complexities of the pandemic and rebuilding post-pandemic.

Senior Vice President and Chief Program Officer Deborah Sunya Moore emphasized Milanov’s role in the artistic growth of the CSO during his tenure with Chautauqua, stating, “Rossen is a crucial figure, not just for his artistic leadership, but also for his role in preserving the arts’ centrality to Chautauqua, exemplified in our much-anticipated week with Renée Fleming ‘Exploring the Transformative Power of Music.’ As we approach our 150th anniversary, he is a central leader whom we honor and celebrate!”

Milanov shared his enthusiasm, stating, “I am thrilled to continue serving Chautauqua Institution in such an important time when we celebrate the sesquicentennial and look forward to a future that will make the Institution more vital, relevant and unique.”  “Chautauqua is a special place for me. I admire the perfect combination of intellectual curiosity, inspiring art, beautiful nature and amazing opportunities to create life-long friendships. I love the musicians of the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra and their ability to inspire with their performances, connect with our enthusiastic audiences, and be the connective tissue for all the art forms in Chautauqua. “

CSO members also convey their excitement for the continued leadership of Milanov. “Rossen sets the highest musical standards and vision for the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra,” said Richard Sherman, Rita and Dunbar VanDerveer Symphony Principal Chair for Flute, noting, “As a result, he has propelled the CSO forward by leaps and bounds to a world-class level of excellence.”

Associate concertmaster Vahn Armstrong shared, “I’m so glad to hear Rossen will return; I always look forward to playing for him. His passionate convictions and insights into the repertoire lead to powerfully satisfying performances. He uniquely understands how to get the very best out of our wonderful Chautauqua Symphony.”

“Rossen’s impact on the CSO is seen across the board, from audience engagement and satisfaction to musician culture, recruitment, retention, and diversity,” shared Michael Hill, president of Chautauqua Institution. “He exemplifies Chautauqua’s mission in this important work, and we are delighted he remains committed to service in this community.”

The Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra will embark upon its 95th season during Chautauqua Institution’s 150th Anniversary Summer Assembly that runs June 22–August 25, 2024.

ABOUT CHAUTAUQUA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 
The Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1929, and today it continues its legacy as the center of musical life at Chautauqua Institution under the direction of Rossen Milanov. Performing more than 20 unique concerts of major symphonic repertoire in the Amphitheater in addition to collaborating with resident companies, the CSO is a tenured union orchestra and the summer home of musicians from some of the finest orchestras in the nation.   

ABOUT CHAUTAUQUA INSTITUTION    
Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit, 750-acre community on Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State, where approximately 7,500 persons are in residence on any day during a nine-week season, and a total of more than 100,000 attend scheduled public events and even more engage online via the streaming channel CHQ Assembly. Chautauqua is dedicated to the exploration of the best in human values and the enrichment of life through a program that explores the important religious, social and political issues of our times; stimulates provocative, thoughtful involvement of individuals and families in creative response to such issues; and promotes excellence and creativity in the appreciation, performance and teaching of the arts. The Institution will celebrate its sesquicentennial in 2024.  

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