Plano Symphony Orchestra announces strategic plan, Guzmán move to retire

Photo courtesy of Plano Symphony Orchestra.
Plano Symphony Orchestra announces five-year plan allowing Music Director Hector Guzman to step down and hire new director.

Plano Symphony Orchestra announced a five-year strategic plan this week that will move long-standing music director and conductor Maestro Héctor Guzmán to Music Director Emeritus and name a new music director for the 2027-2028.

While Guzmán will continue to be associated with the Plano Symphony Orchestra as a guest conductor, his step down from leadership comes after 40 years as the organization’s music director.

“We are indebted to Héctor for his 40 years as our beloved Music Director,” said Brenda Mills, PSO Board President. “In many ways, the PSO is Héctor Guzmán, and we are so much richer and better because of him and his extraordinary talent. We are indebted to Héctor for laying out a five-year transition plan that will allow us the necessary time to carefully execute the search process on behalf of the PSO, our musicians, and our community.”

Before coming to Plano Symphony Orchestra, Guzmán served in leadership of Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra, Irving Symphony the San Angelo Symphony and as a conductor of the Jalisco Philharmonic in Mexico.

Guzmán has also guest conducted at over two dozen prestigious ensembles in Mexico, the United States, the Dominican Republic, the Czech Republic, the Dominican Republic, Poland, Japan, South Korea, Italy, Spain, Panama and Germany.

“Music making has been the greatest joy of my life,” said Guzmán. “My decision comes at a time in my life when I feel emotionally, physically, and musically at the highest point in my career and therefore, the perfect time to let someone else continue this wonderful legacy.”

Plans for the Board-let search have not yet been announced.

Maestro Guzmán and the Plano Symphony Orchestra are synonymous,” said Gregory Patterson, PSO’s executive director. “A search for a new Music Director of a major regional orchestra can be daunting task for some, yet Maestro Guzmán has thoughtfully laid out a transition plan that allows this wonderful orchestra to continue its association with him as he transitions to Music Director Emeritus. We are excited for Maestro Guzmán and the PSO’s future.”

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