John Harte to Lead London Symphony Orchestra as Managing Director
The London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) has announced its new managing director, John Harte, who will take over from Dame Kathryn McDowell at the end of the summer after 20 years in the role. Harte's appointment comes at a significant time for the orchestra, which is renowned for its artistic and organizational strength.
With over a decade of experience as chief executive of Aurora Orchestra, Harte has led the group to become one of the most successful and innovative new British arts organizations in recent decades. Prior to his tenure at Aurora, he worked at the British choral label Collegium and earned a doctorate in Middle Eastern history from the School of Oriental and African Studies.
In a statement, Harte expressed his privilege at being appointed managing director, saying he looks forward to working closely with players, staff, board members, and collaborators to take the LSO to even greater heights. Sarah Quinn, chair of the LSO, praised Harte's outstanding work at Aurora Orchestra and welcomed him to the team.
Harte will join a senior management team that includes chief conductor Sir Antonio Pappano and conductor emeritus Sir Simon Rattle. The orchestra has a rich history, established in 1904, with residencies in Paris, Tokyo, and the Aix-en-Provence festival. Under Harte's leadership, the LSO will continue to expand its artistic and cultural footprint.
Aurora Orchestra's outgoing chief executive, Nicholas Collon, and Jane Mitchell, creative director, paid tribute to Harte's dedication and commitment to the organization. Dame Liz Forgan, chair of Aurora Trustees, confirmed that the search for his replacement would begin shortly.
Harte's appointment marks an exciting new chapter in the LSO's history, with the managing director bringing his expertise and vision to drive the orchestra forward.
The London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) has announced its new managing director, John Harte, who will take over from Dame Kathryn McDowell at the end of the summer after 20 years in the role. Harte's appointment comes at a significant time for the orchestra, which is renowned for its artistic and organizational strength.
With over a decade of experience as chief executive of Aurora Orchestra, Harte has led the group to become one of the most successful and innovative new British arts organizations in recent decades. Prior to his tenure at Aurora, he worked at the British choral label Collegium and earned a doctorate in Middle Eastern history from the School of Oriental and African Studies.
In a statement, Harte expressed his privilege at being appointed managing director, saying he looks forward to working closely with players, staff, board members, and collaborators to take the LSO to even greater heights. Sarah Quinn, chair of the LSO, praised Harte's outstanding work at Aurora Orchestra and welcomed him to the team.
Harte will join a senior management team that includes chief conductor Sir Antonio Pappano and conductor emeritus Sir Simon Rattle. The orchestra has a rich history, established in 1904, with residencies in Paris, Tokyo, and the Aix-en-Provence festival. Under Harte's leadership, the LSO will continue to expand its artistic and cultural footprint.
Aurora Orchestra's outgoing chief executive, Nicholas Collon, and Jane Mitchell, creative director, paid tribute to Harte's dedication and commitment to the organization. Dame Liz Forgan, chair of Aurora Trustees, confirmed that the search for his replacement would begin shortly.
Harte's appointment marks an exciting new chapter in the LSO's history, with the managing director bringing his expertise and vision to drive the orchestra forward.
just hope they can fill the big shoes of dame kathryn mcdowell 
he seems super experienced and has a strong track record with aurora orchestra i hope he can bring some fresh ideas to the table 
it's going to be interesting to see how he'll balance the artistic and organisational sides of things 
He's got a solid track record of success with Aurora Orchestra and it'll be interesting to see how he brings that expertise to LSO 
I mean, 20 years is a looong time, so it'll be interesting to see how he brings new energy to the role. I'm loving that he's got some serious experience under his belt from Aurora Orchestra - they're doing some amazing stuff over there. It's awesome that Sir Antonio Pappano and Sir Simon Rattle are staying on as part of the senior management team too, they're legends! 
Can't wait to see what Harte has planned for the LSO, it's about to get really exciting 
what's going on with all those talented players who need new opportunities but aren't getting them? anyway, congrats to John Harte, i guess 
! John Harte is going to lead the London Symphony Orchestra as managing director and I gotta say, he sounds like a total rockstar 
! 20 years in the role is impressive, but I'm sure he's gonna take it to the next level with his experience at Aurora Orchestra. I love how passionate he is about working closely with everyone involved in the LSO 
. Bring on this exciting new chapter and more amazing music for us to enjoy 
!
what's next for this iconic org? 
and I'm still thinking about that crazy Korean BBQ burrito I had... I mean, have you ever tried a bulgogi beef burrito with kimchi slaw? Game changer! Anyway, back to the LSO – John Harte sounds like a great choice for managing director. But what's up with these music festivals taking over every city now? I swear, it was just last year we had a festival in January 
... and then again in June 
... 20 years in the role is a big deal, so it'll be interesting to see how he shakes things up 
... gotta love that Aurora Orchestra has been makin' waves with innovative stuff and expanding its artistic footprint 
And what's with the lack of transparency about why Dame Kathryn McDowell is stepping down? Was she fired or did she just decide to leave? 
The LSO's history is already rich and iconic, so I'm not sure if Harte can top that 
. But if anyone can do it, it's John Harte - his experience at Aurora Orchestra is impressive 
. Bring on this new chapter and let's hope Sir Antonio Pappano & Sir Simon Rattle keep making magic happen 
been around long enough tho, might know some stuff 
btw, have you heard their recordings with sir antonio pappano? mind blown 
Has the LSO been doing just fine under Dame Kathryn McDowell all these years? 