MSO Signs Eight-Year Contract with Music Director Robert Moody
The Memphis Symphony Orchestra announced that it has extended its contract with Music
Director Robert Moody, known for adventurous and inclusive programming and enthusiastic
advocacy for the arts, for an additional eight years. The Board of Directors unanimously
approved the contract that makes Moody Music Director through 2032.
“I couldn’t be happier to know that the musical journey with my family at Memphis Symphony
Orchestra will continue! I am so proud of what we’ve accomplished thus far. I realize that the
growth of an orchestra is a slow and steady process. This long runway will give us all that
needed time to accomplish many of our dreams and goals for MSO.” – Robert Moody
Robert Moody joined the MSO in 2016. Concerts beginning Saturday, September 30 mark his
seventh season as Music Director. In addition to being the primary conductor of the MSO,
Moody’s role as Music Director also includes guiding the overall artistic vision of the institution
and acting as a leading community voice for the invaluable impact that music and the arts have
on our community.
“The ongoing commitment of the MSO musicians, staff, and board are underscored by Bob’s
contract extension. Equally gifted and passionate about the Greater Memphis community, we’re
excited to have Bob continue as MSO Music Director.” Jason Farmer, MSO Board Chair
“Robert has been a great leader and musical partner. He shares our passion for music’s role in
enriching our community. We look forward to all the music we will make together.” Caroline
Kinsey, Principal Horn
As only the MSO’s fifth Music Director, Moody is recognized for his creative concert
programming, his dedication to music education, and his engaging ability to communicate that
whether you are a life-long classical music fan or this is your first time at a concert, this music
belongs to you. During his tenure, he led a new initiative to ensure that each concert would
feature an African American or Latinx composer or soloist, communities traditionally
underrepresented in classical music. Moody also created the Orchestra Unplugged Series in
collaboration with the Orpheum Theatre Group – half concert, half entertaining lecture that takes
a deep dive inside a single piece of music or composer. In Fall 2022, Moody conducted opera
superstar Renée Fleming for her Memphis debut. And he has led the orchestra and Memphis
Black Arts Alliance to over-capacity audiences for the Memphis tradition, Sunset Symphony.
Moody believes that music’s purpose is to bring people together. He has deepened relationships
with artistic partners like Opera Memphis, Ballet Memphis, and Collage Dance Collective,
leading the orchestra in performances for each organization. He understands the invaluable role
that music plays in the development of the next generation. The MSO’s education programs
reach over 30,000 students in over 50 schools in over 26 ZIP codes each year. In early 2023,
Moody led concerts for over 5,000 elementary age students from across Shelby County.
While he has made Memphis his home, Robert Moody is in demand beyond the city. He is the
long-standing Music Director of the Arizona Music Festival, and is in regular demand as a
conductor across the US and the world, including concerts in South Africa and Hong Kong.
A South Carolina native, Moody holds degrees from Furman University and the Eastman School
of Music. He is a Rotarian and has served on the boards of AIDs Care Services, Winston-Salem
YMCA, WDAV Classical Radio, and the Charlotte Master Chorale. Moody and his partner,
organist Jimmy Jones live in Memphis with their two dogs and one cat. Moody is an avid runner,
swimmer, history buff, “Jeopardy!” addict, and snow-skier.
About the Memphis Symphony Orchestra
The Memphis Symphony Orchestra, under Music Director Robert Moody, strives to enrich the
lives of our diverse community through exceptional music and dynamic programs. Two hundred
musicians and staff make up the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, providing
educational programs, organizing community engagement events, and performing concerts.
The MSO is supported by the committed volunteers of their Board of Directors, Symphony
League, and Circle of Friends. Visit MemphisSymphony.org to find information about upcoming
performances, ticket purchases, special events, community programs, and opportunities to
support MSO.
