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PHOENIX SYMPHONY MUSIC DIRECTOR TITO MUÑOZ EXTENDS TENURE 

TO CONCLUDE IN 2024 WITH TRIUMPHANT TENTH SEASON

Tito Muñoz to Continue Relationship; Appointed Artistic Partner in 2024

PHOENIX (March 1, 2023) — The Phoenix Symphony announced today that Virginia G. Piper Music Director Tito Muñoz has agreed to extend his tenure for an additional season, culminating in an exceptional decade of leadership as artistic leader of the Symphony.

Tito Muñoz will continue as Music Director through August 31, 2024. After ten years as artistic leader of The Phoenix Symphony, his tenure is one of the longest in the organization’s history.

Praised for his versatility, technical clarity, and keen musical insight, Tito Muñoz is internationally recognized as one of the most gifted conductors on the podium today. As a proponent of new music, Tito founded The Phoenix Symphony’s REVERB festival, which celebrates newly composed music through some of contemporary classical music’s most respected living composers and performers.

Phoenix Symphony Board Co-Chair Lon Babby spoke about the leadership of Tito Muñoz. “Tito’s leadership has significantly advanced the Symphony, not only artistically from the podium, but also by strengthening the Symphony as a vital community asset,” said Babby. We are delighted that he will continue to be a part of our Symphony family and our community into the future.”

Board Co-Chair Kevin Moriarty added, “After a decade in this role, Tito leaves a strong legacy of performances and education programs that will continue to enrich our community. Tito Muñoz has brought the Symphony and our great musicians to new heights.”

The Phoenix Symphony’s President and CEO Peter Kjome said, “Under the leadership of Tito Muñoz, The Phoenix Symphony enriches the lives of thousands of people in Phoenix and Arizona each year. We look forward to celebrating Tito and his accomplishments during an extraordinary 2023-24 season featuring our exceptional musicians and renowned guest artists. I look forward to our continued work together and am excited to continue the Symphony’s positive momentum.”

Tito Muñoz commented, “The Phoenix Symphony is a superb orchestra, and it is a privilege to serve as our orchestra’s artistic leader. I look forward to our continued journey together next season and to my ongoing involvement with the Symphony. As I reflect on what we have accomplished together, I am proud of the progress we have made. The future is bright, and I am delighted that Peter Kjome is at the helm as President and CEO of the Symphony as our orchestra looks to the future.”

Under the leadership of Tito Muñoz, The Phoenix Symphony has expanded its relationship with leading institutions such as Arizona State University. Tito has enjoyed a regular partnership with ASU where he has held a faculty position and is a frequent guest teacher and conductor. It is anticipated that the Symphony’s emphasis on collaboration, including its work with ASU, will continue as part of ongoing efforts to foster innovation and growth.

Tito Muñoz will continue as Music Director through August 31, 2024. He will then continue for two further seasons in the newly-created role of Artistic Partner. He will continue to conduct performances, including concerts as part of the REVERB Contemporary Music Festival, and work with musicians of The Phoenix Symphony to bring extraordinary performances to the people of Phoenix and Arizona.

The Phoenix Symphony will form a Search Committee to begin the search for a new Music Director. The international search is expected to take place over several years, culminating in a successor who will occupy the Virginia G. Piper Music Director Chair.

About The Phoenix Symphony
The Phoenix Symphony is Arizona’s largest performing arts organization and one of the state’s most important cultural assets. In addition to performing traditional and modern repertoire in the fall and spring in Symphony Hall and around the Valley, its world-class musicians are actively engaged in the community thanks to generous foundation, corporation, and individual support. The Symphony is strengthened by collaborating with renowned guest conductors and artists. The core mission of The Phoenix Symphony is to provide the joy of live music as a catalyst for discovery, knowledge, compassion, and connection. Annually, orchestra members empower more than 120,000 students through education and partnerships and create opportunities for deeper connection for tens of thousands of adults experiencing homelessness, in Alzheimer’s care facilities, in hospitals and in hospice.

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