The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra (FSO) announced today, Aug. 5, that the 2025-2026 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.

“As I prepare for the 2025–26 season to be my final one as Music Director of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, I reflect with deep gratitude on a truly meaningful chapter,” Sanders commented in a press release. “It has been an honor to work alongside the incredibly dedicated board, passionate and hard-working staff, and the exceptionally talented musicians who bring this orchestra to life. Together, we’ve built programs that inspired, expanded our audience and deepened our connection to the community. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and am excited for what lies ahead for this remarkable organization.”

Stefan Sanders joined the FSO for his first full season in 2017. His accomplishments with the organization include expanding the diversity of orchestral programming and placing a larger emphasis on collaboration and education throughout all ensembles, bringing in myriad guests including bluegrass legends, Broadway stars and virtuosos from the largest orchestras in the country. Last season, collaboration for Stefan and the symphony reached new heights with the world premiere of Fantasy in 4 Moods, a concerto commissioned for FSO oboist Ronnal Ford by Ahmed Al Abaca.

“Stefan has broadened the orchestra's repertoire, building on the excellence of our traditional classical concerts with innovative concepts to better serve our community,” reflected symphony board chair Mark Regensburger in a press release. “He has pushed the FSO far beyond what most organizations this size are doing. In the last season he combined live music with silent films, integrated Broadway vocals, percussion ensemble  and community choral groups with the orchestra and led the premiere of several newly commissioned compositions by diverse composers. Music education and culture in Fayetteville have been enriched by his tenure here. More than this, Stefan was the face of the orchestra to audiences, engaging in conversations both onstage and in the community.”

Sanders’ presence will be missed by musicians and community members alike, due to his deep involvement with the arts in Fayetteville. FSO Operations Manager and bassist Stuart McLemore reminisced on Sanders’ time at the podium in a press release stating:

“As a conductor, he's very intense and passionate. He's knowledgeable and cares very deeply about the music we make. Beethoven V comes to mind as an especially energized performance. I remember looking up as the third movement transitions into the fourth, seeing him with this huge grin on his face. Stefan was completely in the moment and relishing every second of it.” 

Concertmaster Fabian Lopez shared similarly fond memories, saying “I have had the pleasure of performing with Stefan for many years. It has always been a pleasure to make music with him, as a conductor, musician and human being. He will be missed at all levels!”

The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1956 and is a professional orchestra whose mission is to educate, entertain and inspire the citizens of Fayetteville, NC, and surrounding counties. There are still plenty of opportunities to see the maestro this season before he passes the baton, beginning on Sept. 20 with Total Eclipse of the Chart. The FSO also has many educational programs, free events and community performances. 

Learn more at www.fayettevillesymphony.org.