London Symphony Orchestra Appoints New Managing Director as Current Head Steps Down After 20 Years.
The London Symphony Orchestra has announced its newest member to the senior leadership team: John Harte, who will be taking over as managing director starting this summer. Dame Kathryn McDowell, the current managing director, has been leading the orchestra for an impressive 20 years and will be stepping down at the end of the season.
Harte's credentials are impressive, having served as CEO of Aurora Orchestra since 2009. Under his leadership, the organization expanded its reach and became one of Britain's most successful and innovative arts groups. Prior to joining Aurora, Harte worked for the British choral label Collegium and earned a doctorate in Middle Eastern history from the School of Oriental and African Studies.
When asked about his appointment to the MD role at such a pivotal moment, Harte expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. "It's an honor to be appointed as managing director at a time when the LSO is experiencing remarkable artistic and organizational growth. I look forward to working closely with our musicians, staff, board members, and collaborators to push the orchestra to new heights in the coming years."
Sarah Quinn, chair of the LSO, welcomed Harte's appointment, stating that his achievements at Aurora Orchestra are "outstanding." The search for Harte's replacement is expected to begin soon.
Harte will join an esteemed senior leadership team including chief conductor Sir Antonio Pappano and conductor emeritus Sir Simon Rattle.
The London Symphony Orchestra has announced its newest member to the senior leadership team: John Harte, who will be taking over as managing director starting this summer. Dame Kathryn McDowell, the current managing director, has been leading the orchestra for an impressive 20 years and will be stepping down at the end of the season.
Harte's credentials are impressive, having served as CEO of Aurora Orchestra since 2009. Under his leadership, the organization expanded its reach and became one of Britain's most successful and innovative arts groups. Prior to joining Aurora, Harte worked for the British choral label Collegium and earned a doctorate in Middle Eastern history from the School of Oriental and African Studies.
When asked about his appointment to the MD role at such a pivotal moment, Harte expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. "It's an honor to be appointed as managing director at a time when the LSO is experiencing remarkable artistic and organizational growth. I look forward to working closely with our musicians, staff, board members, and collaborators to push the orchestra to new heights in the coming years."
Sarah Quinn, chair of the LSO, welcomed Harte's appointment, stating that his achievements at Aurora Orchestra are "outstanding." The search for Harte's replacement is expected to begin soon.
Harte will join an esteemed senior leadership team including chief conductor Sir Antonio Pappano and conductor emeritus Sir Simon Rattle.
just heard the news about John Harte becoming the new managing director of London Symphony Orchestra 
its so exciting to see someone with his experience coming in to help shape the future of such a legendary orchestra! his achievements at Aurora Orchestra are totally inspiring, and i'm sure he'll bring that same energy and creativity to LSO 
John Harte seems like a solid choice, I mean, Aurora Orchestra has been killing it under his leadership since 2009 
. Dame Kathryn McDowell's 20-year run is no joke, that's some serious dedication 
. Hopefully, Harte won't mess things up 
#LSO #NewMD #AuroraOrchestra #ClassicalMusic #NewBeginnings
. John Harte's got some big shoes to fill but with his Aurora Orchestra cred, he's gonna bring the noise 
gotta be exciting for everyone involved, especially those musicians, he's got some big shoes to fill, but i'm sure they'll thrive under his leadership 
. it's like they're playing a game of musical chairs, but with more money and better suits. 20 years is a long time, I guess even Kathryn McDowell needs a break from all the drama. btw, has anyone seen John Harte's face in real life? he sounds like he could be on a resume or something 
got to wonder who'll be her replacement tho, hope they find someone who can keep up the good work 
I mean, 20 years is a long time for anyone to be in the role of managing director, especially at a top-tier org like the LSO. Dame Kathryn McDowell has been doing an amazing job so far, and it's awesome that she gets to step down on a high note.
! He's got an insane track record as CEO of Aurora Orchestra - 15 years with that role is no joke! And did you see his credentials? Doctorate in Middle Eastern history? 
That's some serious academic cred right there. I'm curious to see how he'll translate that expertise to the LSO.
According to the latest data from the UK Music Producers Association, classical music has seen a 25% increase in ticket sales since 2015. That's some serious momentum! 
. That's all for now
. I think it's awesome that Sarah Quinn is already giving him a warm welcome, he's gonna need all the support he can get navigating such an iconic institution 
. And now she gets to hand over the reins 'n enjoy the fruits of her labor 
. Meanwhile, Harte comes in all fresh-faced 'n eager, which I get why Sarah Quinn wanted him... but sometimes it's hard not to feel a little worried that we might be losing some of that magic 
. Guess only time'll tell if he can live up to the legend that is Dame McDowell 
can't wait to see him work his magic alongside sir antonio pappano and sir simon rattle 
. Good luck to Aurora Orchestra too! 
And what about Dame Kathryn McDowell's legacy, is she looking forward to stepping down with her head held high or is there drama behind the scenes? 
, hope john harte brings in some fresh ideas and dont wanna lose that special connection with the musicians 
, fingers crossed he'll keep the lso on top of their game 