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- The Composer-Conductor Who Pioneered European Opera In Japan
Manfred Gurlitt was reluctant to leave Germany when the Nazis came to power, but he ultimately had to flee and ended up in Tokyo. By 1941 he was music director of the Tokyo Philharmonic; a decade later, he had founded his own opera company and taught most of Japan’s opera singers. – Bachtrack
- The New School Makes Some Painful Cuts
The New School will employ 65 fewer full-time faculty members in the fall than it did last year, Kessler said. Based on the most recent federal data, that reduction would amount to roughly 36 percent of its 2024 full-time faculty work force. – Chronicle of Higher Education
- Radio Station Says New Data Center Has Forced It Off The Air
“Rainey Broadcasting has told the FCC that development surrounding a massive data center and semiconductor manufacturing project forced gospel WFQY Jackson, MS (970 AM) from its longtime location. Yet … a rival broadcaster (is) arguing the Commission should determine whether the station had already been silent before the site was lost.” – Inside Radio
- Getting Students Inside Dance
“That’s the entire mission of the school Not ‘You come to us’ but ‘We bring dance to you.’ And we want people in the room who can say, ‘I was just like you and now I’m out in the world dancing.’” – The New York Times
- A Story Of Gay Life In Early America
The two women lived openly as a same-sex couple from 1807 to 1851 in Weybridge, VT, where they ran a successful tailoring business. Despite some local misgivings, they were largely accepted. Neighborhood children apprenticed with them, and Sylvia served as a deacon in the local Congregational Church. – ArtsFuse
- Will The Smithsonian’s Smallest Museum Survive?
Anacostia, since renamed the Anacostia Community Museum, was the first federally funded museum focused on Black history, as well as the first federally funded community museum; it is still the only Smithsonian to archive and document daily life in the nation’s capital. – The Atlantic
- Stadtlichter Presse Makes My Heart Beat Stronger<a href="https://www.artsjournal.com/herman/2026/06/stadtlichter-presse-makes-my-heart-beat-stronger.html" title="Stadtlichter Presse Makes My Heart Beat Stronger” rel=”nofollow”>It’s
- Here’s What Trump’s Washington Arch Would Look Like
Much of the public debate around the arch has centered on how it would affect other nearby memorials, particularly the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. – Washington Post
- A New Wave Of Women’s Ragebait Lit
“These books may have inspired more than their share of hot takes … but the conversations around them allow us to question where we are and what our feminist ideals have become … (now that) so many of the problems that felt like they were somehow close to being solved … have become drastically worse.” – Harper’s Bazaar
- Ben Folds: The National Symphony Is In Peril
The NSO doesn’t even know if it has a home, given the previously announced two-year closure of the Kennedy Center. This is a very bad sign. Further, the tools for survival are entangled in the Kennedy Center’s legal and financial troubles. – Variety
- Trump Administration’s Plans To Cancel Student Loans For Almost All College Arts Programs
Yale University’s master’s programs in visual arts and music would fail. Harvard University’s master’s degree in museum studies would fail. The Juilliard School’s undergraduate and graduate programs in music would fail. – The New York Times
- Crystal Bridges Completes Major Expansion
This component of a long-running plan for the site adds two galleries and 114,00 square feet (10,590 square metres) of space for a recent major gift and the subsequent reinterpretation of its collection. The museum’s footprint has expanded by half since its opening in 2011. – Dezeen
- Second-Generation Cambodian-American, Trained Only In U.S., Becomes Skilled Teacher Of Khmer Classical Dance
Peter Veth has never studied in Cambodia — only in his hometown of Lowell, Mass., a center of the diaspora. But from sixth grade on he took classes with visiting Cambodian masters and at Lowell’s Angkor Dance Troupe, where he now teaches the art form to younger dancers. – Dance Teacher
- London’s Royal Opera House Is Embracing AI. Some Musicians Aren’t Happy
“We started programming SHIFT because there is a bit of a crisis in the performing arts with regards to machine learning. There’s absolute panic. And in fact last year, when we announced it, some leading people in the arts were describing AI as evil and as the devil.” – The Independent
- Report: Australian Arts Participation At Highest Level Ever
More Australians are attending live arts events and festivals, with 2025 the highest level of attendance recorded. While some art forms have seen shifts back towards more frequent pre-COVID-19 attendance patterns, others have not fully recovered. – Creative Australia
- Carl Schachter, Influential Music Theorist, 93
His groundbreaking work as a music theorist primarily advanced Schenkerian theory by integrating rhythmic, metric, and harmonic dimensions into linear voice-leading analysis, while emphasizing how these elements interact to form structural coherence in tonal music. – The Violin Channel
- Painter Of Dallas Whale Mural Painted Over For World Cup Promo Sues FIFA
The 17,000-square-foot mural, one of artist Robert Wyland’s popular “Whaling Wall” series, had been on view in downtown Dallas since 1999. Wyland is suing international soccer’s governing body and the building’s owners for $25 million under the federal Visual Artist Rights Act, saying the mural was covered without his knowledge or consent. – AP
- Dito Von Reigersberg, Aka Martha Graham Cracker, Philadelphia Arts World’s Favorite Drag Queen, Is Dead At 53
As Martha, he hosted a highly popular monthly cabaret and collaborated with, among others, the Philadelphia Orchestra and Opera Philadelphia. He also had a notable career, under his own persona, as an actor and theatermaker, most notably as a cofounder of Pig Iron Theatre Company. – The Philadelphia Inquirer (MSN)
- Brazilian Police Say They’ve Identified Mastermind Of Matisse Robbery In São Paulo
Last December, thieves stole 13 prints, including eight by Matisse, from the Biblioteca Mario de Andrade in São Paulo. Two suspects accused of the robbery itself were identified soon afterward; police have now named the alleged ringleader, who is currently in prison on other charges and has a considerable criminal history. – ArtReview
- New York State Adds $150 Million To Theater Production Tax Credit — But Is It Going To Shows That Really Need It?
“The program … faces criticism from budget watchdog groups, state lawmakers, and even theatrical insiders who say the tax credits don’t support shows most in need of financial support. Many that have received state aid had the backing of major production companies,” including Disney. – Bloomberg Law News
- Trump Administration Wants To Judge Higher Ed Institutions On Graduates’ Earnings, Posing Dangers For Arts Schools
“The Department of Education has proposed a new ‘accountability’ system that would judge higher-education programs largely by graduates’ earnings, … a test that music, visual arts, and filmmaking programs would, by their nature, be likely to fail.” Programs whose graduates don’t meet earnings benchmarks could become ineligible for federal student loans. – ARTnews
- Minnesota Star Tribune To Cut 65 Jobs, Explore Going Fully Nonprofit
“The Star Tribune employs 495 people and cuts will be made across every department. The newsroom has just under 200 journalists and will decline to 175 while remaining one of the largest between the coasts. Just last year, 125 employees were laid off when the company … closed its … printing plant.” – The Minnesota Star Tribune
- Speight Jenkins, Director Who Transformed Seattle Opera, Has Died At 89
Over his 31 years as general manager, he made the company into one of the most respected in the country and, said some observers, the Wagner capital of the U.S. It’s easy to forget that he began his career as a New York music critic and hosted Met Opera telecasts. – MyNorthwest.com
- “America’s Greatest Opera Boss Has Died”
Norman Lebrecht’s obituary notice for Speight Jenkins, which ran today, is titled “America’s Greatest Opera Boss Has Died.” I couldn’t
- Executive Director
POSITION PROFILE
The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) seeks a visionary, entrepreneurial, and collaborative leader to serve as its next Executive Director.
This is an opportunity to lead one of America’s most distinctive orchestras and one of Louisiana’s most important cultural institutions. The Executive Director will partner with musicians, Board leadership, artistic leadership, staff, donors, volunteers and community stakeholders to shape the next era of artistic excellence, financial sustainability, audience growth, and statewide impact.
The Executive Director serves as the organization’s chief executive officer and strategic leader, responsible for growing philanthropy, advancing the mission, strengthening organizational capacity, expanding community engagement, and ensuring long-term institutional resilience.
The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Trustees and works in close partnership with the Music Director and orchestra leadership.
ABOUT THE LOUISIANA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
Founded in 1991, the GRAMMY Award winning Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra is the nation’s oldest full-time musician-governed and collaboratively operated professional orchestra and Louisiana’s only full-time professional orchestra. The LPO is a Group 3 orchestra with an annual budget of $5-5.5million which serves an annual audience of approximately 60,000 people in one of the most culturally vibrant cities in the nation. The LPO exists to transform people and communities through music and serves as a cultural leader throughout New Orleans, southeastern Louisiana, and communities across the state.
Rooted in one of the world’s most influential musical cities, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra reflects both the artistic traditions and creative spirit that define New Orleans. Through artistic excellence, education, and community engagement, the organization creates meaningful musical experiences that connect audiences across generations and communities.
Over a full 32-36-week season, the LPO presents a broad portfolio of programming in New Orleans and across multiple adjacent parishes that reflects both tradition and innovation. Annual offerings include classical subscription performances, chamber music, education initiatives, community engagement programming, contemporary music, cross-genre collaborations, pops, family programming, and performances that celebrate Louisiana’s cultural identity and musical heritage. Recent seasons have featured world premieres, contemporary compositions by living composers, partnerships with local artists, collaborations across artistic disciplines, and programming designed to broaden access and deepen relevance.
Each year, the organization reaches tens of thousands through performances, education initiatives, and community engagement programs. The LPO Academy provides sustained musical instruction for nearly 500 students across partner schools, while broader education and engagement initiatives serve more than 14,000 young people and families annually. The orchestra partners with educational institutions, cultural organizations, civic leaders, and community organizations to strengthen access to music.
As resident orchestra partner to major cultural organizations and touring artists, the LPO occupies a unique role within New Orleans’ cultural ecosystem and contributes meaningfully to the civic and cultural vitality of Louisiana.
The LPO has a tri-partite organizational governance structure comprised of 67 full-time musicians, an administrative staff, and a Board composed of two-thirds community trustees/one third musicians. The organization’s distinctive musician-governed model creates an extraordinary culture of ownership, collaboration, entrepreneurship, and institutional commitment. This model has defined the orchestra since its founding and remains central to its identity and success.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra stands at an important moment of institutional opportunity.
Building upon artistic momentum, expanding impact, strengthening educational reach, and deepening community partnerships, the organization seeks a leader who can guide the orchestra through its next phase of growth and sustainability.
The next Executive Director will inherit:
• A nationally distinctive governance model
• Strong artistic leadership
• Deep community roots
• Meaningful education initiatives
• Engaged musicians, Board, volunteers, and staff
• A recognized civic role within one of America’s most culturally significant communitiesThe next Executive Director will play a central role in:
• Strengthening long-term financial sustainability
• Expanding philanthropy and contributed revenue
• Growing earned revenue opportunities
• Increasing audience engagement and participation
• Building statewide visibility and impact
• Advancing strategic planning initiatives
• Strengthening operational excellence
• Positioning the LPO as an essential civic and cultural institution for Louisiana’s futureThis role requires an executive who understands and appreciates both the art and enterprise of primarily orchestral but includes all forms of music — someone who combines strategic vision with operational rigor, financial discipline with entrepreneurial thinking, and community leadership with a deep appreciation for artistic excellence.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership
The Executive Director will:
• Lead development and implementation of organizational strategic priorities
• Partner with Board leadership, Music Director, volunteers and musicians to advance long-term institutional goals
• Foster innovation while preserving organizational mission and artistic excellence
• Position the organization for long-term sustainability
• Lead organizational planning initiatives
• Identify opportunities for strategic growth and institutional advancement
• Monitor industry trends and evolving audience behaviorsFundraising and Philanthropy
The Executive Director will:
• Serve as chief fundraiser and lead ambassador
• Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts
• Expand relationships with foundations, corporations, government agencies, and individual donors
• Support annual, campaign, endowment, and planned giving initiatives
• Strengthen contributed revenue performance
• Partner closely with development staff and Board leadership
• Advance institutional fundraising strategy
• Build philanthropic culture across the organizationFinancial and Business Leadership/management
The Executive Director will:
• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting
• Ensure responsible stewardship of organizational resources
• Develop multi-year financial sustainability strategies
• Monitor performance through measurable operational and financial indicators
• Expand earned revenue opportunities
• Strengthen business operations and organizational systems
• Support data-informed decision-making practices
• Ensure compliance and sound governance practicesAudience Development and Community Engagement
The Executive Director will:
• Lead strategies to expand audience growth and retention
• Enhance the organization’s visibility and community impact
• Foster accessibility and audience relevance initiatives
• Expand partnerships across education, tourism, business, government, and community sectors
• Support education and community engagement programming
• Position the LPO as an essential civic institution
• Advance initiatives that broaden participation and deepen community connectionOrganizational Leadership
The Executive Director will:
• Recruit, develop, manage, and retain high-performing staff
• Foster accountability, transparency, and collaboration
• Build organizational culture aligned with mission and values
• Support professional development and leadership growth
• Promote effective cross-functional communication
• Lead changes in management initiatives when necessary
• Assure excellent communication with audiences, Board, and musiciansExternal Relations and Advocacy
The Executive Director will:
• Serve as a primary organizational spokesperson
• Represent the organization with elected officials, civic leaders, donors, media, and community stakeholders
• Strengthen institutional visibility and reputation
• Build strategic partnerships that advance mission and sustainability
• Advocate for arts investment and cultural policy priorities
• Participate actively in industry leadership organizations and broader civic conversationsQUALIFICATIONS
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
Required Experience
• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience
• Significant executive or senior leadership experience within nonprofit, performing arts, cultural, higher education, mission-driven, or complex enterprise organizations
• Demonstrated fundraising success
• Experience managing significant operating budgets
• Strategic planning and organizational leadership experience
• Team leadership and talent development experience
• Ability to direct and motivate all components of the organization
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skillsPreferred Experience
• Experience within orchestras or performing arts institutions
• Knowledge of nonprofit governance structures
• Familiarity with orchestra economics and labor environments
• Experience with collective bargaining environments
• Audience development and earned revenue strategy experience
• Experience leading organizational transformation initiativesBachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree greatly preferred.
Traits and Characteristics
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
• Strategic acumen
• Fundraising confidence and proven success
• Entrepreneurial mindset
• Financial sophistication
• Collaborative leadership style
• Emotional intelligence
• Exceptional interpersonal skills
• Sound judgment
• Adaptability and resilience
• Creativity and innovation
• Transparency and integrity
• Commitment to mission-driven leadership
• Passion for orchestral music and community impactThe successful candidate will inspire trust and transparency across musicians, Board leadership, staff, volunteers, donors, and community stakeholders while advancing a compelling vision for the organization’s future.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The Executive Director reports directly to the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Board of Trustees and oversees the administrative staff leadership team.
The Executive Director works collaboratively with orchestra musicians and the Music Director to advance institutional priorities and organizational success.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package commensurate with experience.
Applications
Please submit a cover letter that describes your interest and qualifications for the position. Send with a resumé and the names of three professional references.
All applications will be treated as confidential. References will not be contacted without applicant’s knowledge and agreement. Electronic submissions are preferred (MS Word or Adobe Acrobat attachments only, please).
Email: louisianaphilharmonicedsearch@gmail.com
For priority consideration, please submit application materials by June 20, 2026.
- The Movie Star Who Doesn’t Exist
Good Morning,
A top celebrity-profile writer set out to interview Tilly Norwood and ran into a problem: she isn’t a person (The New York Times). The AI “actress” has no inner life to report, which didn’t stop anyone from trying.
Bookstores are supposed to be dying, but that’s old conventional wisdom. The count is actually growing, and briskly (AP). Publishing is supposed to be glamorous; but here’s how the business really works (The Republic of Letters).
Supposedly, the tuning reference for music — A=440, got nudged down to A=432Hz, supposedly because it’s more soothing. But what’s the evidence? (AP).
Then a couple of good news stories: When a keyboardist fell ill mid-show in Sydney, a university student climbed onstage and finished the performance (The Guardian). And Chicago’s stand-up comics, gig workers in the truest sense, finally have a path to health insurance (WBEZ).
Meanwhile, someone peeled Maurizio Cattelan’s duct-taped banana off a museum wall and walked off with it — and the museum wants to prosecute (ARTnews). You can steal the fruit. Good luck stealing the concept.
Doug
- A New Partnership Helps Stand-Up Comics In Chicago To Finally Get Steady Health Insurance
The Health Alliance for Chicago Comedians is building a pilot program to help 10 comics pay insurance premiums through the Affordable Care Act’s next open enrollment period. Stand-up comedians, especially early in their careers, often take gigs and side jobs which offer no insurance. – WBEZ (Chicago)
- It’s Just A Few Cents: More People Are Listening To Music Pitched Down To A=432Hz
“Music recorded in 432 hertz (cycles per second) is taking off on social media platforms and music streaming services. … Scientists say there’s no robust evidence that music tuned to 432 hertz has any special benefits or healing properties. Some musicians and listeners say it helps them connect with nature, relax or concentrate.” – AP
- Okay, Here’s How The Publishing Business Really Works
Nobody would patronize a best-seller–only shopping mall kiosk called We Bet We Have That Book You Want, even though best-sellers are most of what anyone buys. People want to walk into stores with lots of books which they have no interest in even looking at. – Republic of Letters
- Two Washington Stars Rise Up To Take On The Damaged Washington Post
The two closely named rivals plan to take on a much more established competitor: The Washington Post, which is owned by the Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and recently cut its staff by a third. – The New York Times
- Busting Conventional Wisdom: The Number Of Bookstores Isn’t Shrinking, It’s Growing Robustly
Membership in the ABA grew by more than 500 over the past year, to a total of 3,417 (at 3,783 locations), nearly triple what it was a decade ago and the highest level since the late 1990s. – AP News
- Britain’s Biggest Female Ballet Star Comes Back From Paralytic Meningitis
“It was six weeks of being unable to move, … to participate in life at all, before she could get out of bed. And then Lauren Cuthbertson, the biggest British dance star since Darcey Bussell, … had to persuade her useless limbs, now stripped of their strength, to listen to her brain again.” – The Times (UK)
- A Priority For Australia’s Next Cultural Policy: Protecting Freedom Of Expression
Treating freedom of expression and social cohesion as trade-offs is a category error. Freedom of expression is an internal attribute of cultural activity, an inherent good. Without it there is no culture worthy of the name, only sanctioned content. – ArtsHub
- Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin, Philanthropist Who Saved New Orleans’ Symphony Orchestra, Dies At 93
Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin, a queen of Carnival who became a lawyer and philanthropist whose gifts of money, determination and leadership helped save New Orleans’ symphony orchestra, died Saturday in her sleep at her New Orleans home. – NOLA.com
- Rosamund Pike Lectures Audience Member From The Stage For Texting During Performance
“Maybe it was very important, and maybe you’re a doctor, and you’re saving someone’s life, and I hope you are, but we do see these, we do feel them. I’ve got you, I feel like I’ve got to hold you all, so when I feel that and see it, it’s hard.” – The Guardian
