According to The Charlotte Obsever, Llewellyn, who lives in Wales with his family and stays at a Raleigh condo when he's in town, is credited with rejuvenating the orchestra. Donors have reportedly given more money since he began his tenure.

The paper writes that details of Llewellyn's salary have not been revealed, but during his first, partial season in 2004-05, when he conducted only six weeks of concerts, he received $92,000. Llewellyn has been conducting 12 to 14 weeks a year since the 2005-06 season.

Symphony president and CEO David Chambless Worters said in a statement, "Grant Llewellyn has provided enormous energy, passion and musicianship; orchestra and audience alike have responded to his leadership. Locking him into a long-term contract now means that we have one of our most important assets committed for the long haul."

North Carolina Symphony double bass player Bruce Ridge, who was chairman of the music director search committee said, "There is a deep rapport between Maestro Llewellyn and the musicians of the North Carolina Symphony. We are forming a unique partnership reminiscent of some of the great historical pairings of music directors and their orchestras. The musicians are very pleased that Maestro Llewellyn has signed a contract extension."