Kim Noltemy, who has served as president and CEO of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra since January 2018, will step down as conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic in June.
This is a prestigious appointment in one of America's top orchestras, particularly one known for its innovation. But this is a major blow to Dallas, and Mr. Noltemy has been widely considered one of the most effective arts administrators in living memory.
“Of all the people we interviewed, she was the most prepared,” said Philharmonic board president Thomas Beckmen. new york times. “Sometimes I thought she knew more about us than I knew about us.”
The announcement was made during one of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's most ambitious undertakings, a semi-staged performance of Richard Wagner's first two operas. ring of nibelung. A complete cycle of four operas will be performed in his October. And in June, the orchestra will embark on its first European tour since 2013, visiting cities in Spain, Germany, Austria and Belgium.
“It's hard to leave Dallas because it's such a great, supportive board and community,” Noltemy said. Throughout my tenure, I've felt that everyone is rooting for me, and that means a lot. ”
The Los Angeles Philharmonic is “one of the largest orchestras in the world in size and scope,” she added. What we have accomplished so far in terms of innovation and creating artistic programming is unparalleled. For decades it has been so fascinating and exciting.
“We just felt like, how could we pass up this opportunity? This is our chance to do something great and build on this great reputation that we've been building for so long.”
Nortemy presided over the appointment of Fabio Luigi as music director of the orchestra, a tenure that began in 2020 when performances were canceled around the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her leadership, the DSO adapted to the challenges of the pandemic, becoming one of the first major American orchestras to perform in its own concert hall to a reduced and gradually increasing audience. To expand the orchestra's reach beyond the Meyerson Symphony Orchestra, she also led the orchestra's adoption of live video of her increasingly sophisticated performances.
After years of deferred maintenance of Meyerson by the city of Dallas, which owns the building, Nortemy negotiated an agreement in 2019 that would see the Dallas Symphony Orchestra take over its management. All of the visibly damaged lobby ceilings of the landmark IM Pei building were repaired, and the roof was replaced as well. Recently, a new permanent stage extension was installed and new orchestral risers were added to alleviate long-standing crowding issues.
In her second year with the orchestra, Nortemy organized the annual Women in Classical Music Symposium to address career challenges and opportunities. She also pledged to DSO to use female composers for 50% of its new music commissions.
Nortemy expanded the DSO's education and youth programs, including the Young Musicians Program in elementary and middle schools, which was renamed in her honor in 2021. More than 500 students now have access to free instruments and lessons at a new residency in south Dallas.
“Kim is by far the best administrator I've ever worked for,” said DSO concertmaster Alexander Kerr. “I have never seen an orchestra and board rally behind a CEO like we have witnessed in our organizations during the pandemic.
“She has led with the utmost ability, grace, courtesy and compassion. To share that she will be missed is the greatest understatement.”
In Los Angeles, Nortemy will lead the search for the orchestra's next music director. Gustavo Dudamel will retire as conductor of the New York Philharmonic in 2026 (he will be replaced by former DSO music director Jaap van Zweden).
“It is a great position for a conductor to make his mark in the United States, and I look forward to being a part of that process,” Noltemy said.
Nortemy comes to the DSO with extensive experience with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. She started working in sales and marketing in 1996 and eventually became chief operating officer and communications officer. She was the strategist behind the BSO's new media initiatives, including digital download services, internet TV, podcasts and the orchestra's website.
