A new contract naming Boughton Music Director for five additional years, through the 2016-2017 season, will be signed on June 12, 2012.

Board President Burton Alter commented, “The entire NHSO family is thrilled that this world-renowned talent will be with us for five more seasons. We have seen tremendous growth on stage since his arrival and look forward to continued artistic excellence in the years to come.”

The NHSO audience was the first to learn of the contract extension when Symphony Executive Director Elaine C. Carroll announced the news from the stage at their final season concert, “Five years ago, an internationally renowned conductor travelled across the pond to take the podium of the NHSO.  I am delighted to announce that he has signed a new contract to be with us for the next five seasons: our Music Director William Boughton. “

Carroll added that it is rare for a regional orchestra to have a full-time Music Director and that Boughton has made invaluable contributions beyond the artistic realm, taking a leadership role in strategic planning, community outreach, and the NHSO’s extensive music education program.

Boughton joined the NHSO during the 2007-2008 season after a 25 year tenure with the English Symphony Orchestra which he founded. Abroad, Boughton has had a successful career as a conductor building an impressive discography of internationally-acclaimed recordings with Nimbus Records, a number of which have reached the Top Ten on the US charts.

During his time with the NHSO, the Symphony’s classical audiences in Woolsey Hall have grown markedly and the Orchestra has expanded its services regionally in Milford, Hartford, Shelton, and New London. Next season Boughton leads the NHSO in Norwalk and Guilford for the first time. Boughton has brought the ensemble increased attention and garnered recognition both nationally, with an ASCAP Award for Adventuresome Programming, and internationally, when Gramophone magazine named the NHSO’s Walton recording a “Critic’s Choice.”