CHICAGO — Conductor Daniel Barenboim will step down as music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the end of the 2005-06 season.
He said he did not intend to renew his contract with the symphony after it expires in June 2006, according to a statement he released Thursday. Barenboim, 61, made his announcement first to the symphony musicians at a Thursday afternoon rehearsal and later to the board of trustees.
Barenboim said he wants to concentrate on performance, rather than administrative duties.