Matías Tarnopolsky takes over as CEO of New York Philharmonic amid leadership changes

In the United States, Matías Tarnopolsky has been appointed as the president and CEO of the New York Philharmonic, effective January 1. His hiring follows a turbulent leadership period after Gary Ginstling resigned just a season into his tenure. Tarnopolsky, who has extensive experience in leading orchestras, brings a longstanding friendship with incoming music director Gustavo Dudamel, which was a vital factor in his selection. Born in Buenos Aires, Tarnopolsky has a strong musical background and has worked with prominent orchestras, establishing a history of collaboration with Dudamel over decades. Before his arrival at the New York Philharmonic, Tarnopolsky held the position of executive director at the Philadelphia Orchestra, where he managed various successful initiatives. His professional journey included significant roles such as serving as vice president of artistic planning at the New York Philharmonic from 2005 to 2009 and leading Cal Performances at Berkeley, where he effectively worked with Dudamel and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra. These roles provided him not only with leadership experience but also a deep understanding of artistic planning and community engagement, aligning well with the Philharmonic’s vision. Amid these changes, the New York Philharmonic has been navigating various challenges, including a recent labor contract agreement with its musicians and addressing misconduct issues by terminating involved players. The new leadership aims to revitalize the organization’s role in the cultural landscape of New York City and beyond. Co-chairman Oscar L. Tang emphasized the alignment of Tarnopolsky’s views with those of Dudamel, indicating a commitment to serve the city’s civic and artistic life better. Through its collaboration with local talents, the New York Philharmonic seeks to enhance its community-focused initiatives, enabling broader access to the arts. Overall, Tarnopolsky’s appointment signifies a renewed commitment to addressing the Philharmonic's goals and a desire to foster artistic excellence while engaging more actively with its diverse audience. As the organization steps into this new chapter, it is poised to leverage its past experiences under Tarnopolsky’s leadership to strengthen its presence and relevance in the contemporary cultural landscape.