Announcing Maestro Guillermo Figueroa's Final Season with Music in the Mountains
Artistic Director & Conductor Going Out On a High Note
As Music in the Mountains prepares for its 38th season under the baton of Guillermo Figueroa, the maestro has announced that this will be his final season. He will transition to Artistic Director & Conductor Emeritus in September 2024.
Figueroa is the second conductor in the Festival’s history; he has been Music in the Mountains’ conductor since 2007. In 2022 the Board of Directors appointed him to step into the Artistic Director role upon the retirement of former Artistic Director, Gregory Hustis.
“After 17 wonderful summers as Music Director & Conductor of Music in the Mountains, I have decided that next season, my 18th, will be my last. Every year, the Festival has been a source of musical inspiration and renewal. Fueled by the many world-class musicians that have been loyal and consistent, performances of the highest order were presented, on par with the best in the world. I have been blessed to be at the helm for a long time, and I am enormously grateful for the opportunity. The camaraderie, rapport and ease of working with these magnificent musicians will never be forgotten, nor will the generous support and ‘cheering on’ of our wonderful staff, board members, audiences and patrons. I have made many dear friends that will remain close forever,” says Figueroa.
“But all situations, no matter how successful, require renewal and constant reevaluation, and it is time for others to take the Festival to new heights. I am proud to leave on a high note, after a summer where I felt our own very exacting standards were surpassed by the finest orchestra we had yet assembled.”
“I am grateful to the initial committee that put their trust in me back in 2007, and to all the wonderful people who have helped make my tenure successful. In particular, I have to mention my predecessor as Artistic Director and partner for many years, Greg Hustis, who mentored my first steps at Music in the Mountains and helped create the best working relationship one can wish for,” Figueroa said. “I very much look forward to one more music-filled Durango experience in 2024. Afterwards I will have the opportunity to explore new ventures which are calling me and have been put on hold. Many thanks to the entire Durango community.”
“Guillermo Figueroa has been an extraordinary conductor for Music in the Mountains and has assisted us with our goal of continually elevating the caliber of the Festival Orchestra,” said Sheryl Kaufman, Board President of Music in the Mountains. “We have been fortunate to benefit from his artistic vision and dedication to musical excellence for the past 17 years.”
Music in the Mountains will conduct a national search in 2025 and aims to announce a new Artistic Director & Conductor to lead beginning with its 40th anniversary season in 2026.
Executive Director Angie Beach remarks that “Guillermo has been the perfect conductor for our organization all these years. He is much beloved by all who are lucky enough to work with him. He will forever be an important part of our organization’s fabric. We plan to make his last year a celebration of his many accomplishments. Patrons can expect our 38th season to be an especially spectacular, mind-blowing season of performances.”
We look forward to celebrating Guillermo Figueroa's legacy with you in July!
