Fabio Luisi leaves festival after 45 years Orchestrasnorman lebrecht August 05, 2026The busy Italian conductor has stepped down after 11 years as music director of the Festival della Valle d’Itria in southeast Italy. He has been involved with the festival since 1981. He said: ‘I participated in the Festival for the first time in 1981 and I consider it like a family. I believe the time has come to look to the future and undertake profound renewal, which is why I have decided to step down from my role and office as Music Director and gratefully accept the prestigious appointment of Music Director Emeritus.’ Luisi, 67, is music director of the Dallas Symphony, the Danish National Symphony Orchestra and the NHK Symphony Orchestra in Japan.