The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra (FSO) has launched its search for its next music director, who is set to take the podium in fall of 2027. Qualified individuals with a passion for conducting, innovative programming and community leadership are invited to submit materials for consideration by Nov. 1, 2025. The full job description, along with details about application materials, can be found at fayettevillesymphony.org/auditions-and-employment/.

Fans of the FSO can look forward to exciting programming over the next three years as this transition unfolds. The 2025-2026 season will be the last for Music Director Stefan Sanders, conducting many concerts throughout the year. Then, in 2026-2027, the FSO will invite finalists for the position to guest conduct in the symphony's 70th season, giving patrons a chance to experience the buzz of new talent and offer feedback on the candidates. Following those performances, the search committee will appoint a new music director, and they will lead the FSO for their first full season beginning in fall of 2027.

The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra (FSO) announced in early August that this season will mark the end of Stefan Sanders’ nine-year tenure as the orchestra’s music director. His time at the symphony continues a legacy of artistic excellence and expanded the FSO’s offerings to the greater Fayetteville and Fort Bragg communities. Sanders is stepping down from the FSO to assume more work as the Central Texas Philharmonic’s music director, a position he has held since 2018.

Performances with Sanders still leading the FSO include this month's Total Eclipse of the Chart, an '80s themed concert with stunning theatrical singers, and October's Jubilate Deo, a trip around the world to Psalm 100 performed in collaboration with singers from First Presbyterian Church. Learn more about this special farewell season at fayettevillesymphony.org.