Harth-Bedoya to step down at Fort Worth Symphony in 2020

Miguel Harth-Bedoya 

Miguel Harth-Bedoya announced May 10 he will step down as Music Director of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra in July, 2020, after 20 years as the orchestra’s artistic leader.

Following the 2019-2020 season, he will assume the title of Conductor Laureate of the FWSO, and will be returning to conduct in upcoming seasons.

“I am so proud of the work the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and I have done together over the last nearly two decades. These 18 years with the FWSO have touched and changed me deeply,” said Harth-Bedoya. “Working together with the orchestra toward higher and higher artistic levels – even through the challenges – has been profoundly rewarding. Our recent success on an international stage at the Kennedy Center, like our Carnegie Hall performance a decade ago, is a testament to our relevance as an outstanding American orchestra.”

A search committee will be formed, headed by FWSO Board Chair Mercedes T. Bass, to begin the search for Harth-Bedoya’s successor.

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“From the moment I first heard Miguel during an audition/rehearsal, I knew he was the one to lead the FWSO into the new millennium,” said Bass. “During his time here, he has transformed this institution and the orchestra to ever-increasing levels of artistic achievement.”

Harth-Bedoya, who began his first season as Music Director in 2000 is the orchestra’s eighth artistic leader since its founding in 1912. His impact on the orchestra extends from a number live recordings for international labels, premiering new works by renowned visiting composers, fostering artistic partnerships, expanding the repertoire, and making relevant contributions at the national level through touring.

Nearly 40 percent of the current orchestra has joined the FWSO since his first season. Despite the nationwide economic downturn experienced in 2008 and 2009 and a work stoppage in 2016, the FWSO has expanded its annual budget from $9 million in 2000-2001 to nearly $13 million in

2017-2018 and has increased the number of full-time orchestra positions by 25 percent, according to the organization.

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Among many other honors, Bedoya was named to the Fort

Worth Business Press’ list of “40 Under 40” in 2003 and was one of Hispanic Business Magazine’s “100 Influentials” in 2010.