The Las Vegas Philharmonic is on the hunt for a new music director after current head David Itkin has elected not to renew his contract beyond its expiration on June 30, 2013.

The orchestra’s president and chief executive Jeri Crawford said the search will begin immediately with a focus on ‘strong artistic leadership’ in a period of ‘growth and community engagement’.

‘Our first three concerts at The Smith Center attracted large, enthusiastic audiences and fuelled the feeling within the organisation that this is the time to make our mark and cement our role as a valued arts organisation within Southern Nevada,’ she said. ‘The Board thanks David Itkin for his years of service to the orchestra, and for helping bring us to this point. David leaves the orchestra in an artistically and strategically strong position and we wish him well in his future endeavours.’

The Las Vegas Philharmonic’s 2012-13 season will begin on October 20 at The Smith Center with the theme, ‘A Year in Pictures’.