Osmo Vänskä, the music director of the Minnesota Orchestra, has resigned following news that the musicians of the orchestra have rejected a fourth contract proposal in the ongoing lockout.
Vänskä, who had held the role since 2003, had previously pledged to stand down if a deal wasn’t reached in time for the orchestra to start rehearsing for its engagements at Carnegie Hall, which have now been cancelled in light of the latest offer rejection.
In a statement, Vänskä said: ‘It is a very sad day for me. Over ten years ago I was honoured to be invited to take up this position. I moved from Finland to the Twin Cities. At that time I made clear my belief that the Minnesota Orchestra could become one of the very greatest international ensembles. During the intervening years I have had the privilege of seeing that belief vindicated through the skill, hard work and commitment of this wonderful group of players and with the valued support of the Board of Directors, management and administration team, volunteers, as well as our exceptional community. I send my deepest thanks to everyone involved for what we have achieved together and I wish the Minnesota Orchestra all the very best for its future.’
