Kent Nagano, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra's musical director, has extended his contract for another three years.

Kent Nagano, the MSO musical director, is all smiles after the announcement Thursday that he will remain the head of the orchestra until 2014. (CBC)The maestro's contract was set to expire in September 2011, but he will now stay in the city until the 2013-2014 season.

Former Quebec premier Lucien Bouchard, now chair of the MSO board of directors, announced the news Thursday in front of thousands of people who gathered for the orchestra's season opener, a free concert on the future site of the orchestra's new home in the Quartier des Spectacles festival district.

The concert was a tribute to the Haitian people, and popular Haitian-born musician and activist Luck Mervil was host for the evening.

Nagano officially took the helm of the MSO in 2006, becoming the orchestra's eighth musical director. His contract can be renewed another two years after 2014 if all parties are satisfied.

The agreement also says he will lead concerts for up to 16 weeks throughout the regular season and in summer.MSO chair Lucien Bouchard announces the news about musical director Kent Nagano at the orchestra's free outdoor concert to launch the season. (CBC)

After Thursday's concert, Nagano said Montreal is a great place to work, and the city has shown its dedication to the arts and music.

"Right behind me is the proof that the future is alive and well here in Montreal and being allowed to continue here is a great honour," Nagano said, referring to the future MSO concert hall, expected to be completed in September 2011.

The new hall will have 1,900 seats and three balconies.