In Monday’s (1/26) Chicago Sun-Times, Andrew Patner writes, “The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is one of the world’s greatest orchestras. One of the most financially solid arts organizations in the country.… Still, the first half of 2014 is a crucial time for the group’s board leadership and senior staff. They must find a new administrative leader to replace Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association President Deborah Rutter, who leaves in July after 11 years here for the top job at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.… Who is the right person to lead the CSO in an era where society is more digitized and classical music more marginalized? … A committee made up of Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association trustees, senior staff members and three orchestra musicians recently was appointed.… An international search firm, Spencer Stuart, has been retained.… ‘One of Deborah’s strongest legacies is that she has developed a culture of openness to innovation in all areas,’ said Jesse Rosen, president of the League of American Orchestras, the national industry group.… The challenge will be to find someone who can execute that vision while preserving the legacy of a 123-year-old orchestra that must find new ways to grow.”
Posted January 27, 2014
