Allison Vulgamore appointed President and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra Association

Allison Vulgamore appointed President and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra Association

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Philadelphia Orchestra Association announced today that Allison Vulgamore has been appointed President and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra Association. Ms. Vulgamore will begin in her new position February 1, 2010.

An innovative and dynamic leader in the classical music field, Ms. Vulgamore comes to The Philadelphia Orchestra Association from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO), where she has served for 17 years. From 1993 to 2008 she served as President and Managing Director and since 2008 as President and CEO, a title given her in recognition of her outstanding leadership of the orchestra. Known for her visionary leadership, Ms. Vulgamore transformed the Atlanta Symphony during her tenure, doubling the endowment, tripling its budget, expanding audiences, and significantly increasing artistic initiatives and education programs in the community. She oversaw the opening of the 12,000 seat Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in 2008 and initiated and led planning for a new Symphony Hall, raising $114 million in pledges toward the venture.

"Allison Vulgamore is absolutely the right person to lead The Philadelphia Orchestra Association at this time," stated Orchestra Chairman Richard B. Worley. "She is a visionary leader with a proven track record of success in Atlanta who cares passionately about classical music and the role of an orchestra in its community. She was the unanimous choice of the search committee, and I look forward to working closely with her in support of this great institution."

"I am honored to accept this position with The Philadelphia Orchestra, one of the world's truly great orchestras," said Ms. Vulgamore. "I am coming to Philadelphia to help make a difference at a time of transformation and great creativity, and I am eager to work hand-in-hand with the musicians, the members of the Board, the staff, volunteers, and the community to help shape the next legacy era for this extraordinary ensemble. Additionally, it is a thrill for me to come back to this Orchestra, where I first started my professional career."

Philadelphia Orchestra Chief Conductor Charles Dutoit said, "I am so very pleased to welcome Allison to her new role. Over the many years I have known her I have come to develop great respect for her knowledge of music and orchestra management. I am confident she will do great work to help the Orchestra, and I look forward to working with her."

"The musicians on the search committee were all very impressed by Allison throughout the process and felt she would be the best person to bring out the great potential of The Philadelphia Orchestra," said John Koen, cellist and chairman of the Orchestra Members' Committee. "She was introduced to the musicians of the Orchestra yesterday, who welcomed her warmly. We all look forward to working with her to find creative solutions to the challenges facing the Orchestra."

Allison Vulgamore is a seasoned veteran in the music industry. Prior to her arrival at the Atlanta Symphony, she was General Manager of the New York Philharmonic, where she also served as Acting Managing Director and Orchestra Manager. Previously, Ms. Vulgamore was Artistic Administrator and General Manager of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C., for five years and prior to that was with The Philadelphia Orchestra for two years. A trained musician and student of voice, she received her Bachelor of Music degree from Oberlin College and began her orchestra career in 1980 as a member of the inaugural class of the American Symphony Orchestra League's Orchestra Management Fellowship Program. Today, she is a leading mentor of a next generation of orchestra leadership.

The 20-member President Search Committee was composed of Philadelphia Orchestra musicians, members of the Board of Directors, and senior members of the Association's management. Ms. Vulgamore was chosen from a select field of highly accomplished candidates in the search, which was facilitated by the firm Phillips Oppenheim.

For more information visit http://www.philorch.org/ceo/.

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Source: Philadelphia Orchestra Association

CONTACT: Katherine Blodgett, Vice President, Public Relations and
Communications, +1-215-893-1939, kblodgett@philorch.org

Web Site: www.philorch.org

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