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THE SCOOP | TSO Hires New Interim CEO From Cleveland Orchestra

By Michael Vincent on August 18, 2016

TSO hires former Executive Director Cleveland Orchestra, as the incoming Interim CEO. (Photo: Lynn Ischay)
TSO hires Gary Hanson, former Executive Director Cleveland Orchestra, as the incoming Interim CEO. (Photo: Lynn Ischay)

The TSO have announced Gary Hanson, former Executive Director of the Cleveland Orchestra, as the incoming Interim CEO effective September 26, 2016.

A native of Toronto and trained as a double bass player, Hanson is a bit of welcome news for the TSO, who have been struggling to regain their stride after a surprisingly salacious year to date.

The announcement was made following a special meeting of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors, who appointed Hanson to replace former TSO Board member Sonia Baxendale.

Baxendale stepped in last March to lead the organisation through the sudden and tumultuous departure of former CEO Jeff Melanson, after allegations of misconduct during his time at the Banff Centre by his ex-wife Eleanor McCain. The story was quick to gain international attention, which led to Melanson ultimately cutting ties with the TSO.

Hanson is expected to continue to work towards the orchestra’s fundraising successes and growing community outreach (both credited in part to Melanson) and the ongoing search to replace Peter Oundjian, who embarks on his final two seasons with the orchestra this September.

One expects the appointment was likely to capitalise on Hanson’s long-standing connections in arts leadership that will likely be an asset as the TSO Board continues its search for the orchestra’s permanent CEO.

Hanson’s appointment will also enable the Board to focus on building the momentum of a successful 2015–16 season, which included a surprise 20-year record high in donations, a modest surplus, a reduction of its troubling deficit by nearly $4 million, and a five-year attendance record.

Hanson originally joined the Cleveland Orchestra in 1988 as Director of Marketing and Public Relations. In 1997 he stepped in as Cleveland Orchestra’s Associate Executive Director under long-standing Executive Director Thomas Morris. He was later appointed as the orchestra’s eighth Executive Director in 2004, prior to retiring last November.

Hanson left a healthy legacy behind him, which included the return of staged opera and ballet, a new residency in Miami, and strategic ties with arts organisations across the country.

In an interview with the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Hanson described his responsibility as “Doing everything [he] could to relate the institution to the audience.”

In a statement, Hanson said he was “deeply honoured to accept this position and feel privileged that I can play a role in ‎the future success of my hometown orchestra.” … “Likewise, I am excited by the opportunity to partner with my long-time friend Peter Oundjian and joining in the celebration of his extraordinary tenure.”

Jeff Melanson extended his endorsement for Hanson on Twitter, writing “Delighted to hear about this appointment. He is one of the best.”

#LUDWIGVAN

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Michael Vincent
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