Las Vegas Philharmonic appoints Leonard Slatkin as artistic consultant

The Las Vegas Philharmonic has today announced the appointment of Leonard Slatkin to the role of artistic consultant. Effective from the start of the 2024-2025 season, Slatkin will work closely with the orchestra’s music director Donato Cabrera, conducting the orchestra and advising on programming.

Following Las Vegas Philharmonic’s season gala concert next week, Slatkin will officially begin his relationship with the orchestra on 9 November, conducting a program of American classics.

Las Vegas Philharmonic’s chair of the Board of Directors Jeri Crawford said: ‘We are beyond thrilled to welcome the artistry and expertise of Leonard Slatkin. This relationship takes the Las Vegas Philharmonic to its next level as we celebrate our 25^th Anniversary.’

Having established its presence in Southern Nevada in 1998, the Las Vegas Philharmonic celebrates 25 years in the Las Vegas Valley. Supported by generous donations from individuals and corporation, the orchestra comprises 76 contracted professional musicians with a mission to inspire ‘a lifelong appreciation of music through performances and educational experiences for the Las Vegas community’.

Slatkin said: ‘Las Vegas has been one of my go-to places for many years. The opportunities for expanded concert programming, community outreach, and educational initiatives—along with the extraordinary live-performance environment in Las Vegas—unleashes the potential to create something unique in our country.’

Alongside his new role Slatkin will continue to be music director laureate of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (where he was music director for 10 years), directeur musical honoraire of the Orchestre National de Lyon, and conductor laureate of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (where he was music director for 17 years). A six-time GRAMMY winner, Slatkin is also the recipient of the National Medal of Arts, and a Chevalier in the French Legion of Honor.