American conductor Alan Gilbert has announced that he will take the first sabbatical of his career, stepping away from conducting engagements for a period in order to take time for himself.
In a message shared on social media, Gilbert reflected on a career defined by constant activity. “I love what I do, and I’ve always loved staying busy,” he wrote, adding that the prospect of “this stretch of unstructured time” now feels “unbelievably liberating and gratifying.”
He also acknowledged that the break means temporarily stepping away from the orchestras and audiences with whom he regularly works. “I’ll miss my orchestras and beloved public,” he wrote, adding that he hopes to return “with renewed energy” and that he looks forward to seeing audiences again in the fall.
Born in New York City in 1967, Gilbert grew up in a musical family: both of his parents were violinists in the New York Philharmonic. After studying at Harvard University, the Curtis Institute of Music, and the Juilliard School, he began his conducting career in the 1990s, including a period as assistant conductor of The Cleveland Orchestra.
Gilbert served as music director of the New York Philharmonic from 2009 to 2017, becoming the first New York–born conductor to hold the position. During his tenure he placed particular emphasis on contemporary music, launching initiatives such as the orchestra’s CONTACT! new-music series.
Today he holds two major positions in Europe: principal conductor of the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, a role he has held since 2019 and that is currently extended through 2029, and music director of the Royal Swedish Opera, a post he assumed in 2021. He also maintains regular relationships with several orchestras worldwide, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra.
Gilbert did not specify the exact duration of the sabbatical but indicated that he expects to return to the podium later this year.
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