CSO names its new president
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra confirmed late Wednesday that Jeff Alexander will be the new president of the CSO Association, succeeding Deborah Rutter.
For the last 14 years, Alexander, 57, has served as president and CEO of the Vancouver Symphony Association.
“I am extremely honored to have been selected to serve as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association’s next President,” said Alexander in a statement released by the CSO late Wednesday. “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.”
“I am happy that Jeff Alexander has accepted the position of President of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association,” said Riccardo Muti, CSO music director in a released statement. “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.”
Stephen Lester, chairman of the CSO members Committee, said, “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.”
Alexander spent 16 years at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra prior to his time in Vancouver, the final 12 of those years as general manager. From 1982 to 1984, he served as general manager of the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra in Texas, and from 1980 to 1982 he served as general manager of Grapa Concerts in New York City, an artist management firm.
Alexander is a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where he majored in French Horn performance.
Jeff Alexander will begin his tenure as CSO president on January 12, 2015.
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