PORTLAND (AP) – The Portland Symphony Orchestra’s popular conductor plans to give up his baton.

Toshiyuki Shimada announced Thursday that he’s leaving his job as the symphony’s conductor and music director at the end of the 2005-2006 season, when he will have completed 20 years. Shimada, who’s known by friends and colleagues as “Toshi,” is given credit for transforming the symphony into one of the best orchestras of its size since his arrival in Portland in 1986.

“I feel that I have brought the orchestra to an outstanding level – a point where I can say it is in excellent shape artistically. Accordingly, it is the right time for me to look at the larger musical community for the balance of my musical career,” Shimada said.

After he leaves, Shimada will be retained as “director laureat” for two years as a new conductor settles in.