Austin Ruff, a horn player, has joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra, starting this fall. Ruff expressed his excitement about becoming part of the orchestra, taking over the position previously held by Jonathan Menkis since his retirement in 2018. Ruff mentioned his gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with the orchestra during his time at the Tanglewood Music Center last summer. Previously, he served as associate principal horn with the Omaha Symphony and has performed with several other orchestras, including the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the Kansas City Symphony, the Rochester Philharmonic, the New World Symphony, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

Music director Andris Nelsons also welcomed Ruff, highlighting his previous collaboration with him at the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra. Nelsons emphasized the significance of alumni from this program joining the Boston Symphony Orchestra, noting that several new members this season were also program graduates. Looking ahead, Nelsons expressed confidence that Ruff's talents and musicality would enrich the orchestra's performances, culminating in their upcoming appearance at the Shostakovich Festival Leipzig in 2025.

Ruff's appointment marks one of several recent personnel changes within the Boston Symphony Orchestra, which has recently welcomed new members and announced a new concertmaster.