In a striking blend of courage and commitment, Franz Welser-Möst is gracefully juggling his battle against cancer and his dedication to music.

The Symphony of Resilience

A beacon of the Cleveland Orchestra, the Austrian maestro, Franz Welser-Möst, stepped into some illustrious shoes in 2002, following Christoph von Dohnányi. Now, at 62, Welser-Möst isn’t just another name in the lineup. He’s the seventh and the longest-serving music director, having led the Orchestra since the turn of the century.

Unwavering Spirit

An artist of his caliber, having received three Grammy nominations, doesn’t merely stick to the notes. His recent hurdle – a cancerous tumor, prompted a short intermission in his performances from late October till year-end. Yet, the maestro remains undeterred. Gearing up for the Cleveland Orchestra’s opening season on September 28, 2023. He’s also slated to grace us with Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 2 and Mahler’s ‘Song of the Night’. And come January 2024? He’s back, as full-throttle as ever.

An Encore of Commitment

The opening month of 2024 sounds promising with Welser-Möst conducting magic like Bartók’s ‘The Miraculous Mandarin’ and Prokofiev’s Symphonies No. 2 & 5. The orchestra, echoing our sentiments, voiced their support for their stalwart, expressing optimism in his full recovery.

Global Footprints

Through the years, Welser-Möst hasn’t just been Cleveland’s pride. Twenty international tours with the orchestra, guest spots with the Vienna Philharmonic, and unforgettable performances at the Salzburg Festival paint a few strokes of his illustrious journey. The maestro’s shelf is gleaming with awards, from the prestigious Gold Medal in the Arts by the Kennedy Center to the Cleveland Orchestra’s Distinguished Service Award.