Photo of Simon Woods by Craig T. Mathew and Greg Grudt/Mathew Imaging
“Simon Woods, who resigned as CEO of the Los Angeles Philharmonic last fall, is to be the new president and CEO of the League of American Orchestras effective September 1,” writes Susan Elliott in Friday’s (4/3) Musical America (subscription required). “Woods, a Brit, is currently the interim chief of the Grand Teton Music Festival and has a wealth of experience running orchestras. He succeeds Jesse Rosen, in the job since 2008 and with the League for 22 years. Prior to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Woods was CEO of the Seattle Symphony, where he is credited with turning its fortunes around. Rosen, too, is a previous Seattle Symphony staffer, having served there as general manager before coming to the League. In his comments, Woods said orchestras had been central to his life, ‘since I first played clarinet in my local youth orchestra many years ago…. We are deep into one of the most challenging periods that our world has ever experienced, but I have tremendous faith in our long-term prospects as we re-invent our art form, build authentic relationships with our communities, and reflect the vibrant cultural mix of the country on our stages and in our halls.’ Prior to Seattle he was chief executive of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (2005-2011), president and CEO of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (2004-2005), and VP artistic planning and operations for the Philadelphia Orchestra (2002 to 2004), having joined the orchestra in 1997. He served for nearly a decade as classical CD producer at EMI Classics in London and holds a BA in music from the University of Cambridge, Clare College, and a diploma in conducting from the Guildhall School of Music. ‘In this time of pandemic and all of its challenges, Simon brings to the table not only strong, steady leadership, but also personal qualities that will nurture our organization and its members,’ said League Board Chair Douglas Hagerman.”
News of the appointment was also reported by Friday’s New York Times.
Read the League’s announcement about Woods’ appointment here.
