TOLEDO, OH — The Toledo Symphony Orchestra (TSO), part of Live Arts Toledo, is proud to announce the extension of Music Director Alain Trudel’s contract. This new agreement will carry Trudel through the 2028/2029 season, marking over a decade of artistic leadership with the organization.
Since joining the TSO as Music Director Designate in the 2017/2018 season and officially assuming the role in 2018, Trudel has become a defining artistic voice for the orchestra and a beloved presence throughout the Toledo community. Over the course of his tenure, he has conducted hundreds of performances, shaped ambitious and innovative programming, and deepened the orchestra’s connection to audiences across the region.
“I am very touched by this expression of confidence from my colleagues and our organization, allowing us to continue our shared mission of excellence and relevance for our proud community,” says Trudel.
Under Trudel’s leadership, the Toledo Symphony has continued to grow artistically while embracing bold collaborations, major symphonic works, and community-centered programming.
“There is something deeply energizing about knowing that this artistic partnership will continue. Alain leads our orchestra with imagination, rigor, and heart, and I am grateful for all that we have built together, and excited for what lies ahead,” says Zak Vassar, President & CEO of Live Arts Toledo. “Alain’s renewal is a joyful statement of confidence in the music we will make, the audiences we will serve, and the future we are shaping together.”
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am pleased to celebrate this renewal and Alain’s continued artistic leadership,” says Marna Ramnath, Board Chair of Live Arts Toledo. “His work has strengthened the symphony in meaningful ways, and this extension reflects both our appreciation and our optimism. We are proud of the direction of the organization and excited for the performances, partnerships, and possibilities that lie ahead.”
He additionally serves as Artistic Director of the Toledo Jazz Orchestra, a position he holds through the 2026–2027 season. Musicians across Live Arts Toledo are also celebrating Trudel’s continued leadership.
“Alain Trudel has been a good friend and colleague, and a great asset to this organization,” says Garth Simmons, Toledo Symphony Orchestra Principal Trombonist. “The artistic standard and morale of the orchestra have risen markedly during his tenure. I look forward to our continuing collaboration over the next three years.”
“Alain is a consummate musician and is always true to the music, whether created or re-created,” says Scott Rogers, Toledo Jazz Orchestra Trombonist. “His approach to people, musicians, and the broader community is what sets him apart as a true master and craft builder among players and orchestras. When you combine his personal talents with these qualities, there’s not much more to say—except, enjoy the music!”
Highlights of his tenure include performances with internationally acclaimed artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Renée Fleming, Branford Marsalis, and Olga Kern, as well as large-scale productions and community collaborations across Northwest Ohio.
Trudel has also championed new works, emerging composers, and multidisciplinary performances, while maintaining a strong commitment to core repertoire. His leadership extends beyond the concert hall through education initiatives, including side-by-side performances with the Toledo Symphony Youth Orchestras and mentorship of young musicians, including the Toledo Jazz Youth Orchestra.
In addition to his work on the podium, Trudel remains an active performer and educator, bringing a uniquely collaborative and engaging approach to his role. His connection to Toledo extends beyond music, fostering a sense of shared purpose and pride within the organization and the broader community.
This extension reflects the Toledo Symphony’s continued commitment to artistic excellence, innovation, and community engagement under Trudel’s direction. Audiences can look forward to experiencing Maestro Alain Trudel’s dynamic leadership on the podium this spring through a lineup of performances that showcase his artistry and vision. Tickets are available now at liveartstoledo.com/events.
- Organ Spectacular at Rosary Cathedral | April 17
- April in Paris with Emilie-Claire Barlow | April 18
- Beethoven's 4th & Olga Kern Returns | May 1 & 2
- An American in Paris | May 29 & 30
- Appalachian Spring & Adagio for Strings | June 6
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About The Toledo Symphony Orchestra
The Toledo Symphony Orchestra is a community-supported organization of professional musicians and teachers who deliver quality performance and music education for all. Formed in 1943 as The Friends of Music and incorporated in 1951 as the Toledo Orchestra Association, Inc., the Toledo Symphony Orchestra (TSO) has grown from a core group of twenty-two part-time musicians to a professional orchestra that employs seventy professional full-time musicians.
The Toledo Symphony reaches more than 260,000 individuals annually through performances and education programs. The series concerts (Masterworks, Pops, Chamber, and Family Series) are the critical underpinning of the orchestra’s artistic mission and regularly draw people from 135 postal zip codes. Education programs, student performances, and community concerts are held in schools, neighborhood churches, performing arts centers, and community facilities throughout the region; many are offered at no charge or provided at a reduced fee to help expand participation. =
About Live Arts Toledo
Live Arts Toledo, formerly the Toledo Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA), is the region’s hub for live performance, cultural education, and community connection. Bringing together the Toledo Symphony, Toledo Ballet, Toledo Jazz Orchestra, Toledo Symphony School of Music, and Toledo Symphony Youth Orchestras, Live Arts Toledo presents more than 200 nights of programming each year, offering unforgettable experiences that stir the senses and strengthen the cultural fabric of Northwest Ohio.
Media Contact:
Emily McCready, Marketing Manager, 419.418.0122, emccready@liveartstoledo.com
