Ryan Fleur takes charge as Philadelphia Orchestra's new president and CEO

In the United States, Ryan Fleur was recently promoted to the position of president and CEO of the Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts. This promotion comes after Fleur served as the interim president since January, succeeding Matias Tarnopolsky, who took a position at the New York Philharmonic. Fleur's tenure in various leadership roles at the orchestra dates back to 2012. He has expressed a commitment to increasing audience attendance and establishing a connection with the local community through educational initiatives. Fleur's previous experience includes leading the Memphis Symphony Orchestra before transitioning to executive director of orchestra advancement in Philadelphia. Fleur's main priority in his new role will be addressing the underutilization of the orchestra's seating capacity, aiming to fill approximately 20% of available seats that have been under-sold. He envisions creating programs that ensure every Philadelphia school student engages with the orchestra at least three times throughout their educational journey. This initiative ties in with events like open rehearsals and themed concerts that resonate with important historical contexts, such as the civil rights movement through the 'jazz for freedom' program. His efforts mirror broader trends in the attendance patterns at the orchestra, which have seen improvements in audience turnout post-pandemic. Current figures show that the orchestra's presentations had a capacity utilization of 76% for the 2023-24 season, up from 69% in the previous year. The overall revenue for the upcoming season is projected at $132.6 million, showcasing a diversified income stream with 38% from ticket sales and 24% from ancillary services. The merger with the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts has also offered increased marketing opportunities among diverse audience demographics. Fleur’s leadership comes at a significant time as the organization adapts to changing audience behaviors and shifting market dynamics within the performing arts sector. The Philadelphia Orchestra is not only committed to improving its immediate financial health but also to fostering long-term relationships with local communities and ensuring its venues are accessible to a wide audience. The contract with Local 77 of the American Federation of Musicians is set to expire in September 2026, which may also influence upcoming operational decisions.