Matthew VanBesien, executive director of the New York Philharmonic since 2012, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Musical Arts degree by the Manhattan School of Music at the school’s 88th commencement ceremony on May 16. In awarding the degree, MSM cited VanBesien’s “dynamic and innovative leadership” and his “many contributions to the world of music.” At the Philharmonic, his accomplishments “have included forging partnerships in Shanghai with the establishment of an Orchestral Academy, as well as at the Music Academy of the West, creating unique and intensive opportunities for Fellows to train with New York Philharmonic musicians.” Also noted in the citation is VanBesien’s experience as a horn player in the Louisiana Philharmonic; his selection in 2001 as “one of the Fellows in the League of American Orchestras’ prestigious Orchestra Management Fellowship Program”; his service as general manager, and subsequently chief executive officer, of the Houston Symphony, where under his leadership “ticket sales and contributions increased and the Houston Symphony played at Carnegie Hall”; and his two years (2010-12) as managing director of Australia’s Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, where he “oversaw the monumental task” of finding a home for the orchestra during the renovation of its concert hall.
Posted May 22, 2014
Photo of Matthew VanBesien by Brian Hatton
