Three-year agreement keeps the music director at the podium through the 2029-30 season.
The Lubbock Symphony Orchestra announced Friday that music director David Cho has accepted a three-year contract extension, keeping him on the Lubbock stage through the 2029-30 season.
The extension comes in Cho’s 15th season leading the LSO and follows a period of artistic growth for the orchestra. Under his direction, the LSO has expanded its programming, deepened its presence in Lubbock and surrounding regional schools, and celebrated this year’s 80th anniversary with a performance of Verdi's monumental Messa da Requiem at Buddy Holly Hall.
"David has brought a level of artistic leadership that has elevated this orchestra and our great city of Lubbock and the surrounding communities," said Heather Hocker, chief executive officer of the LSO. "He connects with our musicians, with our audiences and with the educators and students we serve through our various outreach programs. Extending his contract was an easy decision for our board."
Cho has made broadening the LSO's reach a consistent priority. Since taking the podium, he has worked to strengthen the orchestra's relationship with collaborations with Ballet Lubbock and The Lubbock Chorale, and has continued to build the LSO's education programs as a resource for teachers and students across the South Plains.
"I am grateful for the trust this organization and the region has placed in me," Cho said. "Lubbock is a city that shows up for its arts, and this orchestra reflects that. We have built something real here, and I am committed to seeing how much further we can take it together."
The LSO’s next concert is Home for the Holidays on Tuesday, Dec. 1, conducted by artistic director Eric Allen. Cho returns to the podium for Masterworks 3, Brahms: Double Concerto, on Friday, Jan. 22, with doors opening at 6 p.m. The current season schedule and single-ticket information are available at lubbocksymphony.org or by calling 806-762-1688.