London Symphony Orchestra Names New Managing Director Amid Change in Leadership.
The London Symphony Orchestra has announced John Harte as its new managing director, succeeding Dame Kathryn McDowell after 20 years at the helm. The appointment comes as a major change in leadership following Dame McDowell's departure this summer.
Harte, who is set to assume his role later this year, brings extensive experience from his tenure as chief executive of Aurora Orchestra since 2009. Under his leadership, the organization has grown significantly, transforming it into one of Britain's most successful and innovative arts entities in recent years. Prior to joining 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.
Harte expressed his excitement about taking on this new role, emphasizing his commitment to collaborating with players, staff, the board, and collaborators to elevate the orchestra's artistic output in the coming years. Sarah Quinn, chair of the LSO, welcomed Harte, praising his outstanding work at Aurora Orchestra and looking forward to a fruitful partnership.
Harte will join an esteemed senior team led by chief conductor Sir Antonio Pappano and conductor emeritus Sir Simon Rattle. As one of Britain's oldest orchestras, established in 1904, the LSO currently resides at London's Barbican Hall, delivering around 70 concerts annually while also maintaining residencies in Paris, Tokyo, and Aix-en-Provence.
Notably, Aurora's Collon and Mitchell praised their departing chief executive for his tireless dedication, bold vision, and profound humanity. Dame Liz Forgan, chair of Aurora Trustees, has already begun the search process for Harte's replacement, acknowledging the significance of the transition to ensure a seamless continuation of the organization's growth.
The London Symphony Orchestra has announced John Harte as its new managing director, succeeding Dame Kathryn McDowell after 20 years at the helm. The appointment comes as a major change in leadership following Dame McDowell's departure this summer.
Harte, who is set to assume his role later this year, brings extensive experience from his tenure as chief executive of Aurora Orchestra since 2009. Under his leadership, the organization has grown significantly, transforming it into one of Britain's most successful and innovative arts entities in recent years. Prior to joining 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.
Harte expressed his excitement about taking on this new role, emphasizing his commitment to collaborating with players, staff, the board, and collaborators to elevate the orchestra's artistic output in the coming years. Sarah Quinn, chair of the LSO, welcomed Harte, praising his outstanding work at Aurora Orchestra and looking forward to a fruitful partnership.
Harte will join an esteemed senior team led by chief conductor Sir Antonio Pappano and conductor emeritus Sir Simon Rattle. As one of Britain's oldest orchestras, established in 1904, the LSO currently resides at London's Barbican Hall, delivering around 70 concerts annually while also maintaining residencies in Paris, Tokyo, and Aix-en-Provence.
Notably, Aurora's Collon and Mitchell praised their departing chief executive for his tireless dedication, bold vision, and profound humanity. Dame Liz Forgan, chair of Aurora Trustees, has already begun the search process for Harte's replacement, acknowledging the significance of the transition to ensure a seamless continuation of the organization's growth.
can't say i'm surprised though, dame kathryn mcduowell's been doing her thing for 20 yrs and it's time for someone else to take the reins...john harte seems like he'll do a great job tho, worked with some big names in the music world already and got that experience from running aurora orchestra 
fingers crossed he brings even more innovation & growth to the symphony
John Harte is taking over and I'm so hyped about it! He comes from Aurora Orchestra and they've done some amazing stuff under his leadership. Like, significant growth and innovation - that's what we need more of in our arts scene! 
I'm excited to see what Harte brings to the table (pun intended) and how he'll collaborate with Sir Antonio Pappano and others to elevate the orchestra's artistry. 
Bring on the music! 
He comes from an awesome background with Aurora Orchestra and I think his experience is gonna be a game-changer for LSO. The fact that he's all about collaboration and elevating the orchestra's artistry really gets me excited for the future! 
I'm also loving the vibe around this new appointment, everyone seems pretty optimistic and forward-thinking 
. It'll be interesting to see how he shakes things up and brings some fresh energy to the organization 
.
. I wonder what's in store for the orchestra with Sir Antonio Pappano and Sir Simon Rattle leading the charge... interesting!
"]