“Richard Lonsdorf is the new executive director of New Century Chamber Orchestra, having served as interim since August, when Philip Wilder stepped down to become the president and general director of Chanticleer,” writes Nicholas Beard in Friday’s (1/22) Musical America (subscription required). “NCCO Artistic Director Daniel Hope commented, … ‘His energy and passion throughout our recent San Francisco filming of Hope@Home—Next Generation was pivotal to its success and I am looking forward to continuing our work together.’ Lonsdorf, who holds an MBA from Stanford, has been involved in artistic planning for the major orchestras of San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York, including the SFS SoundBox series and the NY Philharmonic’s CONTACT! concerts, as well as its performances of Stockhausen’s Gruppen for three orchestras at the Park Avenue Amory. NCCO President Mark Salkind noted the new man’s ‘exceptional assuredness and steady hand during one of the most challenging moments for the entire performing arts industry. His innovative approach and willingness to seek out opportunity in these moments is exactly what is needed not only to chart a course through the pandemic but to flourish.’ ”