Montreal Symphony Orchestra extends Kent Nagano to 2020

Kent Nagano is set to remain as music director of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra until 2020 after agreeing to a contract extension.

Nagano, 61, has held the position since 2006. The California native sounded thrilled as the extension was announced at a news conference on Monday.

"It is very, very moving, because of the depth of the honour, to be asked to carry this great institution on into the future," he said.

"I feel that what we've accomplished since 2006, as impressive as it is, really reflects on the community of Montreal and the orchestra itself.

"I feel that something is happening here, in Montreal. I feel something is happening in Quebec. It's a very interesting time. The dynamics and the energy here are exceptional. And I speak as someone who travels the world."

His previous contract was to expire in October 2016.

Important to keep Nagano: Bouchard

Prior to becoming music director, Nagano served two years as an adviser to the orchestra. Former premier Lucien Bouchard, who is chairman of the orchestra's board of directors, said it was important to keep Nagano.

"We said it would be great for him to stay with us" Bouchard noted. "We contacted his agent and it turned out that Mr. Nagano was interested in talking right away about an extension."

Nagano's previous jobs included stints at orchestras in Boston, France, London, Berlin and California.

The board of directors said Nagano has helped cement the Montreal orchestra's place on the international scene during his tenure.

The MSO said Nagano has contributed to many major projects and will now be able to continue to see others through. These include the Maison symphonique, the orchestra's new home which opened in 2011, as well as the construction of the Grand Orgue Pierre-Beique, dubbed as one of the largest mechanical action organs in the world. It will have its inaugural concert in May 2014.

The symphony has also been able to increase its audience during Nagano's time at the helm. In 2013, the orchestra had 1,300 subscribers under the age of 34.