WASHINGTON (AP) — In an announcement that surprised many musicians and orchestra insiders, the president of the National Symphony Orchestra announced his resignation.
No replacement has been named for Robert Jones, who headed the NSO for more than three years. The Washington Post said the orchestra would be managed by Michael Kaiser, the Kennedy Center president.
In a statement, Jones said, "Although I felt I should stay for at least six more months, to provide the orchestra with continuity during Michael (Kaiser)'s transition, I began to feel free to consider several intriguing new professional opportunities that would allow me to commit more time to my family and other interests."
Jones had reportedly been popular with the orchestra's musicians and successfully negotiated them a six-year contract in 1998.
But the Post said he was not liked by Leonard Slatkin, the NSO's musical director. Insiders said their relationship was tense and that Jones was concerned about balancing the orchestra's fiscal health with Slatkin's artistic ambitions.