Gary Ginstling resigns as CEO of New York Philharmonic after 1 year

In a surprising turn of events, Gary Ginstling has resigned as the chief executive officer of the New York Philharmonic after just one year in the role. The announcement came without a specified reason, coinciding with Jaap van Zweden's final performances as music director in Vail, Colorado. Ginstling, who had been part of the orchestra during a recent tour of China, expressed that the institution requires a different style of leadership. The orchestra now faces a two-year period without a music director until Gustavo Dudamel assumes the role in the 2026-27 season. Deborah Borda, Ginstling's predecessor, will oversee the transition process alongside board co-chairs Peter W. May and Oscar L. Tang. The orchestra's contract with local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians is set to expire on September 20. Ginstling had initiated an investigation into the philharmonic's culture earlier this year, following misconduct allegations against two musicians dating back to 2010. Despite their denial of improper conduct, the musicians were terminated in 2018, reinstated in 2020 by arbitrator Richard I. Bloch, and have not been involved in orchestra activities since April. During Ginstling's tenure, the orchestra secured a substantial $40 million donation from Tang and his wife, Agnes Hsu-Tang, in September 2023. The philharmonic achieved an 85% paid capacity for concerts last season, with ticket revenue experiencing a 6% increase from the previous year. Ginstling, aged 58, had previously served as the executive director of Washington's National Symphony Orchestra before joining the New York Philharmonic in November 2022, with plans to succeed Borda as CEO on July 1.