The Toronto Symphony Orchestra chose to announce late on a summer Friday afternoon that it is losing Andrew Shaw, the CEO who steered the organization out of virtual bankruptcy slightly more than a decade ago.
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The press release reads:
“With greatest reluctance I have accepted Andrew’s decision to retire later this year. However, I do understand his desire for a change of pace. Andrew has provided widely-recognized exemplary leadership for the TSO and will be deeply missed by everyone in and around the organization,” stated M. George Lewis, Chair of the Board of Directors.
“Working with all the truly remarkable and dedicated people associated with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra has been not only a great privilege but also a uniquely stimulating and enriching experience,” stated Mr. Shaw as he noted an overdue objective to rebalance his life following more than a decade focused exclusively on leading the TSO.
“Andrew has overseen a tremendous resurgence of the TSO under his tenure, putting in place a strong management team and excellent artistic leadership in Peter Oundjian, the TSO’s Music Director who, as previously announced, will continue in that capacity through the 2016/2017 season” stated Mr. Lewis.
Mr. Shaw will remain with the TSO as President & CEO until the late fall, completing a number of key strategic and business initiatives. The Board has started the planning process for the search for Mr. Shaw’s successor and has struck a special committee of the Board to manage this process.
“On behalf of the entire Board, I want to thank Andrew for his leadership of this world-class orchestra, for the transition time he has graciously offered, and for his ongoing support of the organization and the arts in general. We wish him the best in the years ahead,” concluded Mr. Lewis.
The announcement of Shaw’s imminent departure comes on the heels of several disturbing rumours I have heard in recent weeks, including a looming deficit, substantial staff changes and cuts, and a spate of internal dissention on the future of music director Peter Oundjian, whose contract was quietly extended until the end of the TSO’s 95th season in April.
Shaw’s is going to be a very challenging job to fill.
John Terauds
- Classical Music 101: What Does A Conductor Do? - June 17, 2019
- Classical Music 101 | What Does Period Instrument Mean? - May 6, 2019
- CLASSICAL MUSIC 101 | What Does It Mean To Be In Tune? - April 23, 2019
