Osmo Vänskä Waves Baton Goodbye to Locked-Out Minnesota Orchestra

Conductor Osmo Vänskä has today announced his resignation from the locked-out Minnesota Orchestra, effective immediately

The Finnish-born conductor had served as Music Director since 2003

Before joining the Minnesota Orchestra, Maestro Vänskä served Principal conducting positions with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and the Lahti Symphony

"It is a very sad day for me," Vanska has said in a statement. "Over 10 years ago, I was honored 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."

The Minnesota Orchestra has been locked-out by management since October last year over an unresolved contract despute