Alan Gilbert, the music director for the New York Philharmonic Orchestra for almost eight seasons, will step down at the end of the 2016-2017 season, Washington Post reports.

This decision coincides with the orchestra's fund raising plans and its renovation of a concert venue called Avery Fisher Hall. Speculation was raised whether the resignation was made voluntarily or out of the reason that the orchestra is looking for another face to represent another chapter.

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"It's become clear that the next chapter, logically, has to carry the organization through the opening of the hall, which is at earliest 2021," said Gilbert, in an interview with New York Times.

"It's just longer than I want to stay around. It's actually that simple," he further added.

Almost five years ago, Gilbert was the promising face of the orchestra. He had lifelong ties since both of his parents were also long term members of the orchestra.

Gilbert, in his forties, represented an innovative way of executing things and bore an entirely new commitment to music.

Though Gilbert was perfectly dedicated to his job, it seemed that he didn't have the right stature to be a dominant leader of the orchestra. His method of conducting an orchestra wasn't "very exciting", according to some critics.

Gilbert worked hard to earn the affection of the city and yet it was also inconclusive if he succeeded at that task as well.

There was already speculation on who will be the next successor. Gustavo Dudamel and Yannit Nezet Seguin are two of the potential candidates suggested by the public. Though there hasn't been any word from the New York Philharmonic orchestra of any further development.

Gilbert also made his official announcement of his resignation through his Facebook page.

"Making music with the New York Philharmonic is a great joy for me, and I'm very proud of the musical journey we've taken together," Gilbert concluded in the statement made via social media.

TagsAlan Gilbert, New York Philharmonic Orchestra