Fargo-Moorhead symphony director leaving

Photo courtesy Fargo-Moorhead Symphony

Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra music director Bernard Rubenstein says the upcoming season will be his last with the FMSO.

Rubenstein was hired in 2003 to lead the orchestra. He lives in New Mexico. He says his time with the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony has been rewarding, but he's ready for a change. "I feel that it is very healthy for an orchestra to have new leadership. I wish the orchestra well for its future, and will always cherish my time in the Fargo-Moorhead community."

Symphony Executive Director Linda Coates says Rubenstein, "brought the orchestra to a higher level of performance".

Rubenstein is the fifth director of the 79 year old Fargo-Moorhead Symphony.

The FMSO will start a national search for a new orchestra director. Plans call for four finalists to conduct the symphony during the 2012-2013 season with a new director hired by the end of 2013.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.