Boss moves: Brit vet wins Can orch

Andrew Bennett, a 30-year veteran in UK orchestral management, has been named executive director of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony in Canada. Andrew has been general manager of the orchestra at the Casa da Música in Porto, Portugal, since 2006.

Press release follows.

The Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony (KWS) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Andrew Bennett to the position of Executive Director beginning in November 2014. Bennett was appointed after the completion of a search that began when former Executive Director Genevieve Twomey resigned from her position in the fall of 2013.

“The search was extensive and brought several highly qualified candidates to our attention,” commented KWS Board Chair Catherine Copp. “Andrew stood out to the search committee from the beginning and it is clear that he offers the KWS both innovative vision and sound fiscal management. We are very excited for him to arrive and begin working with our Board, stakeholders, talented musicians and dedicated staff.”

Bennett will begin his post as Executive Director on November 5, 2014, relocating to Waterloo Region from Portugal where he has worked as the General Manager of the Orquestra Sinfónica do Porto Casa da Música since 2006, responsible for managing and programming for the resident 94-piece orchestra. Throughout his time as General Manager, the profile of the orchestra has risen significantly as they embarked on ambitious programming and a touring schedule that included stops in Austria, France, Spain, Brazil and Benelux.

“To work in Canada, and especially in the Waterloo Region with such an enterprising and ambitious orchestra, was an opportunity I could not turn down.” stated Bennett. “I am eager to begin working with such a talented group of people and to get to know better the region and our audiences.  The orchestra is poised to embark on even greater adventures, and I look forward to joining everyone on that stimulating journey.”

“I am so thrilled that Andrew Bennett will be joining the KWS family!”, commented Edwin Outwater, KWS Music Director. “I already know he is a wonderful colleague from our work together in Europe. He brings passion, energy, innovation, and a sense of fun and adventure wherever he goes. Like me, he shares a strong desire to create an orchestra for the 21st Century. Together – with the musicians, board, staff, and our wonderful audience – we will achieve this ambitious and essential goal.”

Originally from Bournemouth on the south coast of England, Bennett has thirty years of experience working all over Europe in the performing arts, mainly in the area of orchestra management with some time spent in theatre, events management and opera.   The search for an Executive Director was conducted by search firm Spencer Stuart, working with a search committee that included representatives from the KWS Board, Staff and Orchestra.