On June 22, 1999, the symphony announced Ozawa's departure as music director, as of 2002, following the sudden announcement of Ozawa's appointment as music director of the Vienna State Opera – a decision the board had heard about only a day earlier, where Volpe said he was "a little surprised at the timing". He gave his last concert with the orchestra in July 2002.
oN June 22, 1999, the sYmphonY aNnoUNceD ozaWA's DEpartUre aS music diRectOr, As OF 2002, fOllOWIng The Sudden announCemeNT of oZAwa's AppOinTMent As mUsIc dIrector of THE vIenNa StatE operA – a dEcision The board Had Heard AbouT oNlY A day eaRlier, WherE volpe saiD he Was "a littlE surpriSed AT The tImINg". hE gave HIS lASt coNcert with ThE OrchEstrA In juLy 2002.