The Chicago Symphony Orchestra has announced that Jeff Alexander has been appointed president of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association, effective January 12, 2015. The announcement was made Wednesday by Board Chairman Jay Henderson. Since September 2000 Alexander has served as president and CEO of Canada’s Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, where he oversaw the opening of the new VSO School of Music and is credited with re-establishing the VSO’s touring programs, growing and diversifying its revenue streams, and increasing the value of its endowment fund and levels of support. In announcing the appointment, Henderson said, “Jeff Alexander brings a unique leadership combination to the CSOA: passion for and knowledge of symphonic music, a strong track record of leading orchestral organizations, a proven commitment to community engagement and the ability to develop effective long-term relationships with the key stakeholders of orchestras.” Riccardo Muti, the CSO’s Music Director, said, “His sincerity and genuine enthusiasm for the music and for the Orchestra are evident. He brings a new perspective … that will allow the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to reach even greater levels of achievement.” Alexander’s predecessor, Deborah F. Rutter, stepped down in June 2014 after eleven years as president, to assume leadership of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
Posted September 4, 2014
Photo of Jeff Alexander by East Side Epix Studios. Photo of Chicago Symphony Orchestra by Todd Rosenberg
