The London Symphony Orchestra has announced its new managing director, John Harte, who will take over from Dame Kathryn McDowell at the end of summer. Harte's appointment comes after 20 years in the role, during which time McDowell built the orchestra into a prominent force in British music.
A veteran arts administrator, Harte has been chief executive of Aurora Orchestra since 2009. Under his leadership, the organization has grown from a startup to one of the most successful and innovative new British arts organizations in recent decades. Prior to joining Aurora, Harte worked for the British choral label Collegium and earned a doctorate in Middle Eastern history.
Harte will join a senior team that includes chief conductor Sir Antonio Pappano and conductor emeritus Sir Simon Rattle. The orchestra is known for its diverse programming and residencies in London, Paris, Tokyo, and Aix-en-Provence. Harte's appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the LSO, as he looks to build on the orchestra's artistic and organizational strengths.
The current chair of the LSO, Sarah Quinn, praised Harte's achievements at Aurora Orchestra, saying that his departure will be deeply felt. "We are so grateful for everything John has given to Aurora," she said. "His hard-working dedication, his daring sense of ambition, and his profound humanity" have made him a beloved figure in the arts world.
Harte's own comments on his appointment reflect his enthusiasm for taking the helm of the LSO. "It's a privilege to be appointed to the MD role at a moment of such artistic and organisational strength," he said. "I look forward to working closely with players, staff, board, and collaborators to take the London Symphony Orchestra to still greater heights in the coming years."
A veteran arts administrator, Harte has been chief executive of Aurora Orchestra since 2009. Under his leadership, the organization has grown from a startup to one of the most successful and innovative new British arts organizations in recent decades. Prior to joining Aurora, Harte worked for the British choral label Collegium and earned a doctorate in Middle Eastern history.
Harte will join a senior team that includes chief conductor Sir Antonio Pappano and conductor emeritus Sir Simon Rattle. The orchestra is known for its diverse programming and residencies in London, Paris, Tokyo, and Aix-en-Provence. Harte's appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the LSO, as he looks to build on the orchestra's artistic and organizational strengths.
The current chair of the LSO, Sarah Quinn, praised Harte's achievements at Aurora Orchestra, saying that his departure will be deeply felt. "We are so grateful for everything John has given to Aurora," she said. "His hard-working dedication, his daring sense of ambition, and his profound humanity" have made him a beloved figure in the arts world.
Harte's own comments on his appointment reflect his enthusiasm for taking the helm of the LSO. "It's a privilege to be appointed to the MD role at a moment of such artistic and organisational strength," he said. "I look forward to working closely with players, staff, board, and collaborators to take the London Symphony Orchestra to still greater heights in the coming years."
. 20 years at Aurora Orchestra? Girl, you must've been running on fumes by now 
. But seriously, congrats to Sarah Quinn for finding someone who's actually got some actual experience in the arts admin game 
. And I'm sure Harte will "take LSO to still greater heights"... or we'll be seeing even more sold-out concerts and boring fundraising events 
.
So they're switching out Dame Kathryn for John Harte, seems like a solid move considering Aurora's success under his leadership... 20 years of experience is no joke 
. Also, it'll be interesting to see how he mixes things up with the orchestra's diverse programming 
.
idk if anyone else is as hyped as me lol 20 yrs in one role tho? that's some serious dedication 
he seems like a legit boss tho, all those achievements at aurora orchestra 
cant wait to see what kinda magic he'll bring to lso
just heard about this huge news! So stoked that John Harte is taking over as MD of LSO 
gotta love how Sarah Quinn is hyping him up too 
!! ther new managin dir of london symphny orkestra is john harte!!! he's been chief exec of aurora orkestra 4eva and its AMAZING what hes done wit dat org! 
. And let's be real, having Sir Antonio Pappano and Sir Simon Rattle on board as part of the senior team is like a match made in heaven 
. Bring on the new chapter!
. The fact that he's bringing his expertise from choral label Collegium is a bonus too 
! 
like, john harte is definitely accomplished and all but isn't he kinda jumping straight into a super high position without much experience with symphonies specifically? didn't he used to be at aurora orchestra which is more of an up-and-coming group? what makes him the best fit for the london symphony orcs tho? 
also, are they planning on changing anything major about the way things work around there or is it just business as usual?
. I MEAN, DAME KATHRYN MCDOWELL DID AN AMAZING JOB BUILDING UP THE LSO BUT HARTE COMING IN WITH A VETERAN ARTS ADMINISTRATOR BACKGROUND AND A DOCTORATE IN MIDDLE EASTERN HISTORY IS LIKE THE SKY'S THE LIMIT 
. I'M EXPECTING BIG THINGS FROM HIM AND THE ORCHESTRA, ESPECIALLY WITH SIR ANTONIO PAPPANO AND SIR SIMON RATTLE ON BOARD