James Ross Stepping Down As ASO Music Director
He will assume the role of Music Director Laureate once he leaves the podium after the 2025-2026 season
ALEXANDRIA, VA-Alexandria Symphony Orchestra’s Music Director James Ross is stepping down after the 2025-2026 season. ASO shared the news in a press release this afternoon. Ross began as music director during the 2018-2019 season.
“All of Alexandria has benefited from the creativity and vision that James has brought to the Symphony over his eight seasons,” said Nancy Davenport, the chair of ASO’s Board of Trustees. “We are fortunate that he will continue to be appearing with us in the future in his new and duly deserved role.”
The Board voted unanimously to make Ross Music Director Laureate once he leaves the podium.
Ross said in a statement that reads in part:
I am beyond grateful to all those who have supported me and our orchestra along this musical journey….who have kept us safe and thriving and heard. As we unveil our plans for this celebratory next season, I look back with pride at what our orchestra has become, what it has achieved in these tumultuous times. My love for the city and community of Alexandria remains steadfast – a place I have come to know as home.
During his tenure, Ross helped bring the symphony to wider audiences and worked to acquire a variety of collaborators. He also guided ASO through the pandemic, when musicians gave outdoor performances and played for limited crowds indoors.
Since that time, ASo reports that subscribers and audiences have grown significantly.
