Alabama Symphony Renews Carlos Izcaray's Contract

Izacaray, who has been in the role since 2015, is also the Musical Director of the American Youth Symphony

Conductor Carlos Izcaray will spend a further four years at the Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO), following the renewal of his contract. Izcaray took up his current role as Music Director of the ASO in 2015, and was praised for his leadership of the organization during the pandemic.

Born into a musical family in Caracas, Venezuela, Izcaray received his early education as a cellist in Venezuela's publicly-funded youth orchestras. As a teenager he began to study conducting with his father, and continued his studies at the Interlochen Arts Academy, New World School of the Arts, and Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University.

A Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Conducting at Aspen, Izcaray won top prizes at the 2007 Aspen Music Festival and later at the 2008 Toscanini International Conducting Competition. Since 2016, he has also been the Musical Director of the American Youth Symphony.

"The Alabama Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Carlos Izcaray are thrilled to announce the extension of Maestro Izcaray's contract through the 26/27 Season," wrote the ASO on social media. 

"Described by the international press as inspiring, spirited, and conducting with nuanced sensitivity, he has appeared with numerous ensembles across five continents and is now firmly established as one of the most highly regarded conductors of his generation."