The London Symphony Orchestra’s search for a new Managing Director has ended with the appointment of John Harte, it was announced this morning. He will succeed Dame Kathryn McDowell, who has been at the helm for two decades.
Harte will be only the tenth incumbent of the role since the orchestra’s formation in 1904. Harte will take up the role in August, after McDowall steps down at the end of the current season in July.
Harte has been Chief Executive of Aurora Orchestra since 2009. Alongside its Principal Conductor Nicholas Collon and Creative Director Jane Mitchell, Harte built Aurora into one of the most successful new British arts organisations in recent decades. The LSO’s relationship with Harte began in 2010, when Aurora Orchestra spent five years as Associate Orchestra at LSO St Luke’s.
Sarah Quinn, Chair of the LSO, said of the appointment: “Following a thorough global search, we are delighted to appoint John Harte as our next Managing Director. John has led outstanding work at Aurora Orchestra, which has become a significant force in UK music in an impressively short period of time.”
Harte added, “I am thrilled to be joining the LSO, a company whose artistic vibrancy, rich history, and extraordinary social impact I’ve long admired. It’s a privilege to be appointed to the MD role at a moment of such artistic and organisational strength, and I look forward to working closely with players, staff, board and collaborators to take the Orchestra to still greater heights in the coming years.”
