Meyer is currently the resident conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony, Mickelthwate is the assistant conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Hankewich is the resident conductor of the Kansas City Symphony.

The conductors' performances, along with extensive interviews, are evaluated by a 12-member search committee, the ASO board, and, in a rare step, a selection of friends of the symphony from the community. Symphony musicians complete written evaluations of the finalists' performances, and audience members who wish to may do so as well.

The search committee's choice will be announced on December 6, and the new conductor will debut in concert on April 16, 2005.

The ASO's previous conductor, Robert Hart Baker, led the orchestra for 22 years. He is leaving for unspecified reasons, but will maintain a relationship with the symphony as a conductor laureate.