Nashville Symphony CEO Mark Cantrell Steps Down After Season Suspension and Furloughs
On September 29, Mark Cantrell stepped down from his roles as president and CEO of the Nashville Symphony following the announcement of a "financial emergency." In his place, the board has named Mark Tillinger. Cantrell's exit came after the symphony decided to suspend its 2026-27 season starting October 18, leading to the furlough of approximately half its workforce, including all 77 orchestra members. Currently, 29 full-time staff remain, while 27 have been furloughed. On September 28, Cantrell remarked that the organization had "exhausted its cash." This situation was exacerbated by the passing of key supporter Martha Ingram. Tillinger, who co-founded Music City Brass Ensemble and previously served on the board, intends to enhance fundraising efforts. The Tennessean's Audrey Gibbs reported this news.
Key facts
- Mark Cantrell stepped down as president and CEO of the Nashville Symphony on September 29.
- The Nashville Symphony suspended its 2026-27 season effective October 18.
- Approximately half the staff and all 77 orchestra members were furloughed; 29 full-time staff remain and 27 were furloughed.
- Cantrell said the organization had "exhausted its cash" and operated on an unsustainable financial foundation.
- Mark Tillinger was appointed by the board of directors to replace Cantrell.
- Tillinger is a former six-year board member, co-founder of Music City Brass Ensemble, principal tuba in the Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra, and senior advisor at Recognize.
- The crisis follows the death of longtime patron Martha Ingram, whose generosity had sustained the symphony.
- Tillinger aims to rebuild the financial foundation and strengthen fundraising and revenue strategy.
Entities
Artists
- Mark Cantrell
- Mark Tillinger
- Martha Ingram
- Leonard Slatkin
- Peter Otto
- Giancarlo Guerrero
- Kip Winger
- Audrey Gibbs
Institutions
- Nashville Symphony
- Music City Brass Ensemble
- Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra
- Recognize
- The Tennessean
Locations
- Nashville
- United States
- New York City
- New York