London Symphony Orchestra Appoints Experienced Leader as New Managing Director
The London Symphony Orchestra has announced its new managing director, John Harte, who will succeed Dame Kathryn McDowell after 20 years in the role. A seasoned arts executive with a strong track record of innovation and success, Harte takes over at an exciting time for the LSO.
Harte's extensive experience as chief executive of Aurora Orchestra, where he led the group to become one of the most successful new British arts organisations in recent decades, has prepared him well for this role. He will join a senior team that includes chief conductor Sir Antonio Pappano and conductor emeritus Sir Simon Rattle.
Prior to his work with Aurora, Harte worked for the British choral label Collegium and completed a doctorate in Middle Eastern history at the School of Oriental and African Studies. His appointment is seen as a significant boost to the LSO, which has undergone significant growth and development under McDowell's leadership.
Harte expressed his excitement about joining the LSO, saying that he looks forward to working closely with players, staff, board, and collaborators to take the orchestra to even greater heights in the coming years. Sarah Quinn, chair of the LSO, praised Harte's outstanding work at Aurora Orchestra and welcomed him to the team.
The LSO was established in 1904 and is now resident at London's Barbican Centre, where it performs around 70 concerts a year, as well as having residencies in Paris, Tokyo, and Aix-en-Provence. The appointment of Harte marks an exciting new chapter for the orchestra, with many expecting great things from its incoming managing director.
The London Symphony Orchestra has announced its new managing director, John Harte, who will succeed Dame Kathryn McDowell after 20 years in the role. A seasoned arts executive with a strong track record of innovation and success, Harte takes over at an exciting time for the LSO.
Harte's extensive experience as chief executive of Aurora Orchestra, where he led the group to become one of the most successful new British arts organisations in recent decades, has prepared him well for this role. He will join a senior team that includes chief conductor Sir Antonio Pappano and conductor emeritus Sir Simon Rattle.
Prior to his work with Aurora, Harte worked for the British choral label Collegium and completed a doctorate in Middle Eastern history at the School of Oriental and African Studies. His appointment is seen as a significant boost to the LSO, which has undergone significant growth and development under McDowell's leadership.
Harte expressed his excitement about joining the LSO, saying that he looks forward to working closely with players, staff, board, and collaborators to take the orchestra to even greater heights in the coming years. Sarah Quinn, chair of the LSO, praised Harte's outstanding work at Aurora Orchestra and welcomed him to the team.
The LSO was established in 1904 and is now resident at London's Barbican Centre, where it performs around 70 concerts a year, as well as having residencies in Paris, Tokyo, and Aix-en-Provence. The appointment of Harte marks an exciting new chapter for the orchestra, with many expecting great things from its incoming managing director.
, another "seasoned" arts executive taking over a prestigious org... like it's all just a given at this point 
. I mean, 20 years at the LSO? Sounds about right for someone who can just coast on their connections and experience 
. Anyways, congrats to John Harte on his new gig, hope he brings some actual innovation to the table... or maybe not 
The LSO has had some great success under Dame McDowell's leadership, but on the other hand, 20 years is a pretty long time to be in one role... does that lead to stagnation? 
John Harte seems like a qualified guy and all, but I'm not convinced he can bring anything new to the table... or maybe that's the point? 
I guess we'll have to wait and see how it all plays out... 
John Harte's background in arts exec and leading Aurora Orchestra to success is super impressive! 
I'm curious about how he'll tackle growth and development, especially with all the residencies and concerts happening. 70 concerts at Barbican Centre sounds crazy 
, 20 years under McDowell is a long time, hope he can bring some fresh blood 
, LSO is doing well financially btw 
He's got some serious experience under his belt, having led Aurora Orchestra to huge success before. I'm curious to see how he'll take the LSO to even greater heights 
- Theodore Roosevelt 
I mean, have you seen his track record at Aurora Orchestra? 
I'm so hyped to see what kind of magic he's gonna work with Sir Antonio Pappano and Sir Simon Rattle at the helm too! 
The LSO is one of my fave orchestras already and I know they're in good hands now. Bring on the new chapter for this legendary orchestra! 
he seems like an amazing leader, can't wait to see what he does with the london symphony orchestra 
? The LSO's been around for ages, but it's always good to see new blood, fresh ideas, maybe even a change in perspective 
.
Like he was the head honcho of Aurora Orchestra for ages and now he's all set to take LSO to new heights 
. I'm low-key hyped already, fyi 
. The best part is, he's gonna work with these iconic musicians like Sir Antonio Pappano and Sir Simon Rattle 
!
Also, not sure what kind of doctorate he'd do on Middle Eastern history to be working in music orgs