London Symphony Orchestra Appoints New Managing Director as Current Chief Steps Down After Two Decades.
In a move that marks a significant shift in leadership, the London Symphony Orchestra has announced that John Harte will take on the role of managing director, succeeding Dame Kathryn McDowell who will be leaving after 20 years at the helm. This change comes at an exciting time for the orchestra, which is renowned for its artistic and organisational strength.
Harte brings a wealth of experience to the table, having spent over a decade as chief executive of Aurora Orchestra. Under his leadership, the group has not only grown into one of the most successful new arts organisations in Britain but has also become a driving force in UK music. Prior to his role with Aurora, Harte worked at the British choral label Collegium and completed a doctorate in Middle Eastern history.
Harte's vision for the London Symphony Orchestra is already taking shape, with Sarah Quinn, chair of the orchestra, stating that she looks forward to working closely with players, staff, board, and collaborators to push the orchestra to even greater heights. Quinn praised Harte's outstanding work at Aurora, noting his ability to lead impressive artistic and organisational growth in an impressively short period.
The appointment also comes with a strong team behind Harte, including chief conductor Sir Antonio Pappano and conductor emeritus Sir Simon Rattle. The orchestra has a rich history, having been established in 1904 and currently residing at London's Barbican, where it gives around 70 concerts per year, in addition to residencies in Paris, Tokyo, and the Aix-en-Provence festival.
Aurora Orchestra colleagues have paid tribute to their outgoing chief executive, describing him as "hard-working," "dedicated," and "ambitious." His departure marks the start of a search for his replacement, with Dame Liz Forgan, chair of Aurora Trustees, confirming that the process will soon begin.
In a move that marks a significant shift in leadership, the London Symphony Orchestra has announced that John Harte will take on the role of managing director, succeeding Dame Kathryn McDowell who will be leaving after 20 years at the helm. This change comes at an exciting time for the orchestra, which is renowned for its artistic and organisational strength.
Harte brings a wealth of experience to the table, having spent over a decade as chief executive of Aurora Orchestra. Under his leadership, the group has not only grown into one of the most successful new arts organisations in Britain but has also become a driving force in UK music. Prior to his role with Aurora, Harte worked at the British choral label Collegium and completed a doctorate in Middle Eastern history.
Harte's vision for the London Symphony Orchestra is already taking shape, with Sarah Quinn, chair of the orchestra, stating that she looks forward to working closely with players, staff, board, and collaborators to push the orchestra to even greater heights. Quinn praised Harte's outstanding work at Aurora, noting his ability to lead impressive artistic and organisational growth in an impressively short period.
The appointment also comes with a strong team behind Harte, including chief conductor Sir Antonio Pappano and conductor emeritus Sir Simon Rattle. The orchestra has a rich history, having been established in 1904 and currently residing at London's Barbican, where it gives around 70 concerts per year, in addition to residencies in Paris, Tokyo, and the Aix-en-Provence festival.
Aurora Orchestra colleagues have paid tribute to their outgoing chief executive, describing him as "hard-working," "dedicated," and "ambitious." His departure marks the start of a search for his replacement, with Dame Liz Forgan, chair of Aurora Trustees, confirming that the process will soon begin.
I'm not surprised to see a change at the London Symphony Orchestra after 20 years, Dame Kathryn McDowell's leadership has been amazing, but I guess it was time for a new perspective 
. John Harte seems like a great fit, with his experience from Aurora Orchestra and background in Middle Eastern history 
. It'll be interesting to see how he shakes things up while still maintaining the orchestra's artistic and organisational strengths 
. The appointment of Sir Antonio Pappano and Sir Simon Rattle is also a big plus 
. I'm curious to see what Sarah Quinn's collaboration with Harte will look like 
. Overall, I think this change will bring new energy to the orchestra 
!
I just read about John Harte's new role at London Symphony Orchestra 
He's got some big shoes to fill after 20 years, but with Sir Antonio Pappano and Sir Simon Rattle on board, I think he's gonna do alright 
, sir antonio pappano and sir simon rattle are legends! 
I mean, I'd love to see them perform but don't wanna break the bank 
. Oh and I saw this funny video on YouTube about a cat playing piano... has anyone else seen that one? 
anyway, dunno if its a bad thing, but new manage dir @ lso might bring some fresh ideas & shake things up... dunno about this guy harte tho, seems like he's just copyin from aurora's playbook 
he's literally been in the music scene for like forever 
what's the plan with all those concerts per year @ barbican tho? 
r they gonna keep up that pace or slow it down a bit? 
apparently he's got some big plans for the orchestra 
and make the LSO even more amazing than it already is 
so its kinda sad that dame kathryn mcdowell is leaving after 20 years but on the other hand i think john harte is a great choice for lso he seems to have a clear vision and a strong team behind him which is really important for any org 
and im excited to see how he will take the lso to even greater heights maybe it wont be so different from what dame kathryn had planned who knows 
Sarah Quinn is gonna work closely with Harte and I think that's awesome 
team effort all around! Aurora Orchestra colleagues are paying tribute to their outgoing chief exec, which is so sweet 
now let's see what new things Harte has in store for LSO 
. Sir Antonio Pappano and Sir Simon Rattle are top-notch conductors, so I trust that Harte will be able to tap into their expertise