Stamford-Based Orchestra Lumos Announces Pending Departure Of President And CEO

Information via Orchestra Lumos

STAMFORD, CT — Orchestra Lumos, the preeminent orchestra serving all of Fairfield County, today announced the upcoming departure of its president and CEO, Russell Jones, who has served the organization for eight dynamically transformational years.

Jones will be stepping down from his role in December 2025, while continuing to support the organization in a consultative capacity.

Under Jones’ leadership, Orchestra Lumos experienced the most artistically dynamic and financially successful period in its history. Jones broadened the range of the Orchestra’s programming and engagement with the wider Fairfield County community and appointed renowned conductor Michael Stern as its music director.

Jones also spearheaded the Orchestra’s rebranding as Orchestra Lumos (it was formerly known as Stamford Symphony) and launched The Crescendo Fund, which successfully raised $4 million to support a range of initiatives that have transformed the institution.

“As I reflect on eight incredible seasons leading Orchestra Lumos, the time has come for me to explore the next chapter of my career. I will hand the reins over to a new leader with fresh energy to guide Orchestra Lumos to even greater heights,” said Jones in a news release.

“I am proud of all we have achieved, particularly the creation of our Education, Community, Engagement, and Inclusion department, our Small Space concerts, and bringing top international artists to Stamford, such as Yo-Yo Ma and Joshua Bell. We are all custodians of our institutions with a duty to hand them onto our successors in a better state than we found them, which I hope I have done. I am deeply grateful to our subscribers, donors, board, staff, and especially Michael Stern and the extraordinary musicians of Orchestra Lumos, for letting me have so much fun. It's been quite a fantastic ride,” concluded Jones.

“I agree totally with Russell’s acknowledgment of having fun – it is always energizing to work like mindedly with someone who loves music as much as he does. His commitment to Orchestra Lumos has been steadfast. Above all, he has unwaveringly supported our musicians and what music can mean for a community, and his vision for expanding the Orchestra’s reach will have a lasting impact. I am grateful for the work we have shared, and I wish Russell only the best in his next chapter – which happily, will still include Orchestra Lumos in different ways,” said Orchestra Lumos Music Director Michael Stern.

“As a musician, I have deeply appreciated Russell’s leadership and vision for Orchestra Lumos. His dedication to artistic excellence and community engagement has elevated our orchestra,” said Susan Lorentsen, violinist and chair of the Musicians’ Committee at Orchestra Lumos. “Through Russell’s efforts, we have been able to bring incredible and varied music to audiences across Fairfield County. I am grateful for the opportunities he has created for both musicians and the community, and for cultivating a spirit of respect and cooperation for everyone involved.”

“Russell’s tenure has been transformational for Orchestra Lumos. His vision, creativity, energy, optimism, and human warmth have brought the Orchestra to a new level of artistic range and achievement as well as a broader connection to the community, all while creating a strong financial foundation for the organization. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Orchestra Lumos and the entire orchestra family, I extend our deepest gratitude to Russell for his outstanding leadership and dedication. While we are sad to see Russell step down from his current role later this year, we are looking forward to his continued contributions on a consultative basis,” said Thomas Herbig, chair of the Board of Directors for Orchestra Lumos.

Herbig added that the Orchestra Lumos Board is in the process of convening a search committee that will soon begin a comprehensive and thoughtful recruitment process to find the right leader to guide the orchestra into its next chapter. With Orchestra Lumos stronger than ever, the Board is committed to ensuring a seamless transition.

The search will be conducted with great care, attracting top candidates who share the organization’s vision and commitment to excellence. With nearly a full year before Jones officially steps down, there will be ample time for a smooth handover, allowing the new leader to build upon the solid foundation that has been created and to continue the orchestra’s extraordinary momentum.