The Eugene Symphony has announced the appointment of Alex Prior as its next music director.

Prior will take the helm in the fall, as the Symphony marks its 60th anniversary. A native of England, Prior was appointed Assistant Conductor of the Seattle Symphony at the age of 17.

He went on to serve as music director of the Edmonton Symphony at the age of 22. He’s also conducted in major concert halls across North America, Europe, and Asia. Prior told KLCC he’s known of the Eugene Symphony’s reputation for years.

“I was aware of the Eugene Symphony even as a kid in the UK,” he told KLCC’s Oregon On the Record. “I think that speaks for itself. This orchestra really has a reputation that goes way beyond the local community. Wonderfully. Though it serves the local community. It is an orchestra with renown. And I think that’s something for Eugene to be proud of actually.”

“Alex stood out from an incredibly strong pool of candidates,” said Arden Olson, Chair of the Music Director Search Committee, in a news release. “He impressed us not just with his artistry and leadership onstage but also with his passion for reaching listeners of all backgrounds. We believe his arrival will bring fresh inspiration to our musicians and audiences alike.”

Prior follows in the footsteps of previous Eugene Symphony music directors, including Marin Alsop, Giancarlo Guerrero and Miguel Harth-Bedoya.

Eugene Symphony’s most recent Music Director, Francesco Lecce-Chong was in the position from 2017-2023. His final concert was in May of 2023.

The Symphony says Prior’s first performance with the Eugene Symphony is scheduled for Oct. 12 to open the 2025-2026 season.

The Eugene Symphony will announce details of its upcoming season next Thursday.

Rachael McDonald is a reporter with the KLCC newsroom. This story comes to you from the Northwest News Network, a collaboration between public media organizations in Oregon and Washington.

It is part of OPB’s broader effort to ensure that everyone in our region has access to quality journalism that informs, entertains and enriches their lives. To learn more, visit our journalism partnerships page.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2025/03/14/eugene-symphony-music-director/