The Boston Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) has promoted Derek Beckvold to Managing Director; he replaces Elisabeth Christensen, who steps down after 12 years. Beckvold, a multi-talented social entrepreneur, arts administrator, educator, performing musician, composer and conductor, has been with the organisation for nearly eight years, most recently serving as Development Officer and previously as Education and Community Engagement Manager. In his new role, Beckvold will oversee both the BPO and the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (BPYO), collaborating closely with Conductor Benjamin Zander and the Board of Directors to further the organisation’s artistic vision.
The Concours musical international de Montréal (CMIM) has announced the appointment of two experienced directors, Madeleine Careau and Nicole Fontaine, to its Board of Directors. Louise Roy, Chair of the CMIM Board, expressed her honour in welcoming Careau and Fontaine, emphasising the invaluable expertise they will bring in helping the CMIM achieve its mission of excellence in discovering and promoting the new generation of classical musicians. Careau, a prominent figure in Québec’s cultural sector, served as director of the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM) from 2000 to 2024, enhancing the orchestra’s global standing and contributing to its reputation and financial stability. Fontaine, a highly regarded figure in the fields of philanthropy and cultural patronage, has played a pivotal role in the management and financing of Orford Musique and has been an active member of the CMIM Foundation Board since 2018. She is committed to leveraging her expertise in sound governance, fundraising strategy and partnerships to enhance the execution of CMIM activities.
Michael Eakin OBE has announced his decision to stand down as Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society in March 2025, following more than 16 years at the helm of the organisation. During his tenure, Eakin has led the Liverpool Philharmonic team through a period of remarkable growth and innovation, overseeing a
£14 million refurbishment of the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, the creation of a new second performance space, The Music Room, the development of the industry-leading In Harmony Liverpool programme and NHS Music and Health programme, and the expansion of the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company. Eakin’s prudent management during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic has also earned him plaudits, as Liverpool Philharmonic was one of the earliest organisations worldwide to present live orchestral concerts.
The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association’s Board of Directors has announced the election of Jason Subotky as the organisation’s new Board Chair. Subotky, who joined the LA Phil’s Board of Directors in 2019 and currently sits on the management committee, will succeed Thomas L Beckmen, who has served as Board Chair since 2019.
The Minnesota Orchestra has appointed Brent Assink, former Executive Director of the San Francisco Symphony and prior President of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, as its Interim President and CEO. Assink will succeed Michelle Miller Burns, who has led the orchestra since 2018 and left this month to become the Ross Perot President & Chief Executive Officer of Dallas Symphony. Assink’s extensive experience includes an 18-year tenure as Executive Director of the San Francisco Symphony, during which he significantly grew the organisation’s artistic profile and community engagement, and a
five-year stint as president of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, where he restored the orchestra to stability after a fiscal crisis and launched new education and community programmes.
The Nashville Symphony has appointed Jeff vom Saal as its new Chief Operating Officer. With a distinguished career spanning two decades in orchestral management, vom Saal will oversee the day-to-day operations of the organisation, focusing on strategic initiatives and ensuring the continued growth and success of the institution. In his new role, vom Saal will be responsible for artistic planning and orchestra operations, education and community engagement, communications and marketing, reporting directly to President and CEO Alan D Valentine. Prior to joining the Nashville Symphony, vom Saal served as the Chief Executive of several orchestras in the US, most recently spending eight years with the Spokane Symphony Orchestra and Fox Theater, where he oversaw a period of significant growth and stability.
The National Arts Centre (NAC) has announced the appointment of Kimberly Bennett as its new Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. With an impressive 18-year career dedicated to promoting sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion across various sectors, Bennett brings a wealth of experience to the role, including her leadership of the Partnering for Racial Justice in Business Initiative at the World Economic Forum. Her commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and fostering an inclusive environment aligns seamlessly with the NAC’s vision, values and strategic goals. In her new position, Bennett will collaborate with Senior Management to promote a culturally diverse and inclusive organisation, while driving the implementation of the NAC’s Accessibility Plan and the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Action Plan.
Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) has announced the appointment of Michael Sterzinger as its new Chief Executive, effective early November 2024. Sterzinger, who previously worked with QSO in Artistic Planning from 2013 to 2021, including as Director of Artistic Planning from 2017 to 2018, returns to the organisation after serving as the Executive Director of Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra since 2021. QSO Chair Rod Pilbeam welcomed the key appointment, emphasising the need for a dynamic, inclusive and visionary leader to guide Queensland’s largest performing arts organisation. Pilbeam expressed confidence in Sterzinger’s skills and ability to find creative solutions to the challenges faced by arts organisations in Australia, balancing artistic excellence with commercial constraints. Sterzinger, who began his career as a professional tuba player in orchestras around Europe, and continues to perform with the Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra, expressed his excitement about returning to QSO.
The Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival has announced the appointment of Jim Griffith as its new Executive Director. Griffith, a visionary leader with more than three decades of experience in performing arts management, will succeed Interim Executive Director Amy Lam. Currently based in Fort Myers, Florida, Griffith is the Founder, President and CEO of the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center (SBDAC), which he transformed from an abandoned federal building into a premier, state-of-the-art, 30,000-square-foot venue. In addition to his work with the SBDAC, Griffith has co-founded several music festivals and schools in his native state of Florida.
His Majesty The King has appointed Errollyn Wallen CBE as the new Master of the King’s Music, making her the first musician to hold this honorary position during his reign. Wallen, a Belize-born British composer, pianist and singer-songwriter, succeeds Dame Judith Weir DBE, who was appointed to the role by Queen Elizabeth II in July 2014.