Urbanski extends contract with ISO

Krzysztof Urbanski’s four-year contract as music director for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, set to expire in 2015, has been extended through the 2017-2018 season.

Terms of the extension were not disclosed. The 30-year-old, Polish-born conductor joined the orchestra in 2011. He is the seventh music director in the orchestra's 83-year history.

ISO officials declined to reveal his current salary. His predecessor, Mario Venzago, earned $314,000 in compensation in 2010, according to ISO tax documents.

Urbanski will open his third season with the orchestra on Friday, leading a gala performance with violinist Hilary Hahn. He’ll also conduct during the ISO’s free Community Day celebration on Saturday. He’ll play 10 classical weekends with the ISO in the 2013/14 season, the same number he played in 2012/13.

"With still so much to accomplish, the decision to stay felt right to me," Urbanski said in a prepared statement. "This orchestra is filled with great talent, this organization has new administrative leadership, and this city loves the music that we make. It's an honor for me to continue as artistic leader and be a part of this orchestra's future."

"I am delighted that Krzysztof has made a long-term commitment to the ISO," said Gary Ginstling, who recently joined the organization as CEO. "His artistic leadership is central to the ISO's future.”

A rising star internationally, Urbanski has upcoming guest conductor gigs with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, Tonkünstler-Orchester Niederösterreich and Münchner Philharmoniker. He’ll also debut this season at L.A.’s Walt Disney Concert Hall and with Washington’s National Symphony Orchestra.

Additional commitments include serving as chief conductor (similar to his role with ISO) for the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra and principal guest conductor at the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra.