ALTOONA — The Altoona Symphony Orchestra recently announced that Music Director and Conductor Nick Palmer will retire at the conclusion of the 2027 season.

Palmer, who previously served as music director from 1996-2008 and as principal pops conductor and later artistic advisor/principal guest conductor beginning in 2015, returned to the music director role in 2022. He will continue in this capacity through the end of the 2026-27 season. During this time, Palmer will work closely with the orchestra’s board and staff to support a smooth transition and assist in the search for his successor.

“Maestro Nick Palmer has become a beloved member of the Altoona-Blair County cultural arts community, and we are deeply grateful for the tremendous impact he has had on our orchestra,” said Rick Ayers, board president of the Altoona Symphony Orchestra. “Those who have attended our concerts know that Nick’s artistic leadership is second to none, and his friendship means the world to us. We look forward to his continued presence on the podium throughout the remainder of this season and next.”

The Altoona Symphony Orchestra’s board will launch a national search to identify the next music director and conductor.

“Altoona loves its symphony orchestra, and we are committed to identifying an artistic leader with the energy, passion and vision to guide the ASO into its 100th season in 2028 and beyond,” Ayers said. “We appreciate Nick’s commitment to ensuring a seamless transition.”

Palmer’s relationship with the Altoona Symphony Orchestra spans four decades, dating back to his first appearance with the ASO in 1996. Beyond his work with the ASO, Palmer also serves as music director of the North Charleston Pops in South Carolina and is now in his 28th season as conductor of the Evening Under the Stars Festival Orchestra in Massachusetts.

“My association with the ASO has been a true milestone in my life and career,” Palmer said. “The support and pride shown by the community and the musicians to make this ASO such a regional cultural gem has been palpable. I am so indebted to my many friends in Altoona for making me feel so welcome here for so many years.”

ABOUT MAESTRO NICK PALMER

Palmer received the Helen M. Thompson Award from the League of American Orchestras as the nation’s most outstanding young music director. He has recorded extensively, most recently with the London Philharmonic at Abbey Road Studios, earning multiple Gramophone and Billboard awards.

A favorite guest conductor across Europe, Mexico and Latin America, Palmer has led ensembles including the Europa Philharmonie, Czech Radio Orchestra, San Remo Symphony, Milano Classico Orchestra, Lausanne Symphony, National Orchestra of Bolivia and the Medellon Symphony in Colombia.

A native of Hingham, Mass., Palmer graduated cum laude from Harvard University, earned a master’s degree in orchestral conducting from the New England Conservatory of Music and completed his doctorate at the University of Iowa. He also studied at the Juilliard School, Aspen Music School, the Accademia Chigiana in Italy and other prestigious institutions.

The Altoona Symphony Orchestra is currently in its 97 th year of providing Blair County and the surrounding region with the highest level in music entertainment and educational opportunities. The ASO also places a large focus on education and community outreach all the while remaining fiscally aware and responsible. For further information on our concerts and other programs, please visit our website: www.altoonasymphonyorchestra.com