Author: Robert Sandla

Robert Sandla has been the editor in chief of Symphony since 2007. He was previously editor in chief of Stagebill, in the communications departments of the New York Philharmonic and Lincoln Center, and an editorial consultant for New York City Ballet and other performing-arts groups.

Houston Symphony Executive Director and CEO John Mangum to Head Lyric Opera of Chicago

Posted on August 1, 2024 by - Who's In

In Wednesday’s (7/31) Chicago Sun-Times, Kyle MacMillan writes, “John Mangum, a seasoned arts administrator who has headed the Houston Symphony Orchestra since 2018, has been named general director, president and chief executive officer of Lyric Opera of Chicago, the organization announced Wednesday. He is set to begin his duties this fall…. The 49-year-old California native takes over for Anthony Freud, who stepped down in June after 13 years in the position…. Mangum has never previously held a position with an opera company. Most of his experience has come with stints for five orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic and currently the Houston Symphony, with opera being part of the offerings … He also served as president and artistic director of the Philharmonic Society of Orange County from 2014-2018…. He first became an opera fan as teenager in Danville, Calif. … He wrote his doctoral dissertation in musicology on the role and popularity of Italian opera in Berlin in the second half of the 18th century…. As executive director and CEO at the Houston Symphony, Mangum oversaw a 50-percent growth in its endowment and secured $60 million in capital gifts for the first major renovation of Jones Hall, the orchestra’s home.”

Carnegie Hall Rings Nasdaq Opening Bell to Mark Gathering of International Youth Orchestras

Posted on July 31, 2024 by - News Briefs

On Tuesday (7/30) representatives from Carnegie Hall visited the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square, NY, to ring that day’s opening bell for trading. The Nasdaq site states: “Carnegie Hall is celebrating the upcoming launch of World Orchestra Week (WOW!), a historic festival that brings seven extraordinary international youth orchestras from five continents to New York City from August 1-7 for music making with world-renowned artists and peer exchange. In honor of the occasion, Clive Gillinson, Carnegie Hall’s Executive and Artistic Director, rings the Opening Bell … joined by musician alumni of [Carnegie Hall’s] National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America.” Cristina Ainian, of the Listings team at Nasdaq, said, “This week, seven international youth orchestras from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States will appear on consecutive nights at Carnegie Hall, collaborating with world-class artists … major highlight of the festival will be a massive music play and event, featuring all 700 participating musicians… next Monday, August 5.” Clive Gillinson said, “Music is the universal language, and these young people are the leaders of the future. Through performance and peer exchange, we’re helping to build an incredible international community of young people connected to music.”