Nashville Symphony CEO steps aside

Mark Cantrell departs after brief tenure; financially strained nonprofit taps Mark Tillinger to oversee restructuring

The embattled Nashville Symphony has announced that Mark Cantrell has stepped down as president and chief executive officer after a two-month tenure, with Mark Tillinger now to serve in the roles.

The change in leadership, effective immediately, comes after the organization announced earlier this week it has suspended its 2026-27 season and furloughed its musicians and staffers — a move to erase a $10 million operating deficit as the nonprofit faces a “financial emergency.”

Mark Tillinger
Photo: Nashville Symphony

J. Mark Cantrell — Mark Cantrell
Photo: John Christopher Studio

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Nashville Symphony CEO steps aside

Mark Cantrell departs after brief tenure; financially strained nonprofit taps Mark Tillinger to oversee restructuring

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