The Toronto Symphony Orchestra has announced the appointment of Gary Hanson as interim CEO, effective September 26, 2016. He is expected to serve in the role for up to two years. Along with the board of directors, he will play a key role in creating a comprehensive vision and strategy for the TSO’s future. Hanson replaces Jeff Melanson, who left the orchestra in March. Peter Oundjian will complete his tenure as music director in 2017-18, and Hanson will manage the TSO’s search for its next artistic leader. A native of Toronto, Hanson served as executive director of the Cleveland Orchestra for twelve years, and was most recently interim president of the Cleveland Institute of Music. Under his leadership the Cleveland Orchestra expanded its geographic reach, including residencies in Vienna, Miami, and New York’s Lincoln Center. Hanson also oversaw major growth in the orchestra’s local activities, including annual neighborhood residencies; new concert series and programming initiatives such as the return of opera and ballet to the orchestra’s stage; and the formation and endowment of its Center for Future Audiences. From 1997 to 2004, prior to assuming the Cleveland Orchestra’s top administrative post, Hanson served as its associate executive director.
Posted August 19, 2016
