VSO's Jeff Alexander Appointed President of Chicago Symphony

Following a flurry of unofficial reports in the Chicago press, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association (CSOA) announced Wednesday that Jeff Alexander, president and CEO of the Vancouver Symphony Society, would be the next president of the CSOA. Reactions in Vancouver and across Canada were unanimous in their praise of Alexander as one of our country's strongest arts leaders.   In a telephone interview with the Alliance, Katherine Carleton of Orchestras Canada commented that Alexander had "won the respect and affection of the entire Canadian orchestral community during his 14-year tenure with the VSO." Carleton remarked on the difference that the VSO has made to the cultural life of the community under Alexander's management, with increased financial stability, extraordinary growth of the VSO foundation, the return of national and international touring, and the opening of the VSO School of Music, among other accomplishments. She added that he "took seriously his role on the national scene and is a trusted mentor in the field." "Jeff Alexander is one of the most gifted arts leaders and managers in our nation," stated Charles Barber of City Opera Vancouver via comments on straight.com. "Chicago has no idea how lucky they are to get him." Howard Jang of SFU Woodward's Cultural Unit told the Alliance that Alexander's legacy "is well beyond spectacular. As Vancouverites, we should all be proud." While Chicagoans may consider the VSO to be a relatively small organization (a budget of $14 Million compared to $78 Million at the Chicago Symphony), our local orchestra's reputation is strong, and Jeff Alexander is well known among his international peers. News of the appointment was met with great enthusiasm.   The Alliance for Arts and Culture extends our sincere congratulations to Jeff Alexander.  From the news release of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association: September 3, 2014 CHICAGO—Jay Henderson, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association (CSOA), announced today the appointment of Jeff Alexander to the position of President of the CSOA, effective January 12, 2015. Jeff Alexander currently serves as President and CEO of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO), a post he has held for 14 years, since September 2000. In this role, Alexander has been responsible for the leadership of Western Canada’s largest performing arts organization and Canada’s third largest symphony orchestra. During his tenure with the VSO, Alexander has worked with Music Director Bramwell Tovey, members of the orchestra, the Board of Directors, the administration and volunteers to strengthen all aspects of the organization’s artistic, fiscal, governance, community engagement and educational activities. Through the implementation of a series of strategic plans, he instituted a wide variety of new programs and activities, including the VSO School of Music, a state-of-the-art, $25 million, 25,000-square-foot community music school. Alexander is credited with re-establishing the VSO’s domestic and international touring programs, growing and diversifying its revenue streams, launching and sustaining a campaign that has substantially increased the value of its endowment fund, bringing significant growth to ticket sales and increasing individual, corporate and government support, resulting in a surplus on annual operations for 10 of the past 11 years. Said Henderson, “Jeff Alexander brings a unique leadership combination to the CSOA: passion for and knowledge of symphonic music, a strong track record of leading orchestral organizations, a proven commitment to community engagement and the ability to develop effective long-term relationships with the key stakeholders of orchestras. The Board of Trustees is delighted and confident that we have identified the best person for the job—one who will continue to enhance the CSOA’s distinguished legacy and its worldwide reputation.” Said Riccardo Muti, the CSO’s Music Director, “I am happy that Jeff Alexander has accepted the position of President of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association. He is a person with many fine qualities, and his sincerity and genuine enthusiasm for the music and for the Orchestra are evident. He brings a new perspective that in working with the musicians and the Music Director will allow the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to reach even greater levels of achievement.” “I am extremely honored to have been selected to serve as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association’s next President,” said Jeff Alexander. “As has the rest of the world, I have for many decades greatly admired and been inspired by Maestro Muti and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. I look forward to working with them, the Association’s Board of Trustees, the administration and volunteers on achieving the long-term aspirations of the organization.” Said Stephen Lester, Chairman, Members Committee, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, “The Musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra are pleased to welcome Jeff Alexander as President of the CSOA. In Mr. Alexander, the CSO has a proven, effective President who is keenly committed to high artistic standards and who will support the vision of our Music Director, Riccardo Muti. He has shown a lifelong commitment to managing orchestras and brings a wealth of experience to Chicago. We look forward to his arrival.” As CSOA President, Alexander will lead the CSOA in close collaboration with the Board of Trustees and the preeminent conductor Riccardo Muti, the Music Director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The CSOA is the parent organization of the 106-member Chicago Symphony Orchestra, widely considered one of the finest orchestras in the world. With an endowment valued at $257 million, and an annual operating budget of approximately $74 million, the CSOA also includes a presenting division called Symphony Center Presents, which brings guest artists of all musical genres to Chicago; the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, a preprofessional training orchestra; the Chicago Symphony Chorus; and the Negaunee Music Institute at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which offers a variety of youth, community and education programs for more than 200,000 people of diverse incomes, ages and backgrounds. JEFF ALEXANDER: SELECTED CAREER HIGHLIGHTS President & CEO, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) 2000-2014 Successful in partnering with and supporting the music director in developing and executing the artistic vision for the organization as well as in creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and admiration among the board of directors, musicians, staff and volunteers.  Led the development of strategic plans for the organization that clearly outlined an achievable path for growth and success.  Education and community programs have grown significantly over the past 14 years, from reaching 30,000 children annually to now over 50,000.  Co-founded the VSO School of Music, a state-of-the-art, $25 million, 25,000-square-foot community music school next door to the concert hall in downtown Vancouver, now in its third year of operation with over 1,300 students and 90 faculty members.  Served as lead negotiator in five master contracts with the musicians and with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.  Launched the VSO’s first endowment campaign, during which more than 50 gifts were procured at a value of over $10 million, including the organization’s first $1 million gift. Endowment has grown during tenure from $4 million to over $20 million.  Launched a VSO “All-Access Pass” program for those under 30 years old, enrolling over 4,000 young people annually.  Established a summer residency in the Resort Municipality of Whistler in 2012, now entering its fourth year and to include the creation of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestral Institute at Whistler.  Served for 10 years on the Board of Directors of Canada’s orchestral national service organization, Orchestras Canada, including two-year terms as Vice-Chair, Chair and Past-Chair.  Cincinnati Symphony, 1984-2000 General Manager from 1988-2000, serving concurrently as Artistic Administrator for nine years. Handled all touring, radio, recording and television projects. COO of Cincinnati May Festival from 1986-2000. Director of Regional and Educational Programs from 1984-1988.