San Francisco’s Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra has promoted MICHAEL COSTA from general manager to the Robert A. Birman Executive Director Chair. As the orchestra’s top manager he succeeds PETER PASTREICH, who retired December 31, 2011. Costa first joined Philharmonia Baroque as acting director of finance in January 2010, shortly after completing the League of American Orchestras’ Essentials of Orchestra Management seminar. He was promoted to director of finance and administration in March 2010 and then to general manager in June 2011. He has taken a leadership role in developing a five-year strategic plan for the orchestra; in launching its recording label, Philharmonia Baroque Productions; in expanding the orchestra’s education programs; and in upgrading its internal data systems. Prior to Philharmonia Baroque Costa worked as a classroom teacher on Chicago’s South Side; served as program coordinator at Resources for Indispensable Schools and Educators; and consulted for nonprofit organizations through Exponent Partners. Trained in piano and voice, he holds a bachelor’s degree in classics from Brown University, a bachelor’s in music from Rhode Island College, and a master’s in education from Northwestern University.
Posted January 10, 2012
