Ex-BBC violinist is Brooklyn’s new boss
mainKaty Clark, Welsh-born president of the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, has been named president of Brooklyn Academy of Music. Originally from Swansea, Katy read history at Jesus College, Cambridge, and took a certificate in arts management at Birbeck College, London, while playing five years in the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
At St Luke’s she appointed Pablo Heras-Casado as principal conductor and launched Youth Orchestra of St. Luke’s and St. Luke’s Subway Series.
She says: ‘BAM has always been fearless in the creation and presentation of art, for the borough of Brooklyn, the city of New York, and audiences around the world.’
With Clive Gillinson at Carnegie Hall, Clark at BAM, Graham Parker at WQXR and Thomas P Campbell at the Metropolitan Museum, it looks like New York is back under Brit rule.
The choir and organ scene as well – and for good reason.
When the MN orchestra was dealing with Michael Henson, those involved were saying how the British accent gave a sense of authority. And, when it comes to fundraising and winning over patrons, the accent can be a powerful thing – but in that exceptional case it may have given a false sense of trust. His handling of that situation would’ve been difficult for anybody, but, perhaps like Peter Gelb, some of it was of his own making, intentional or not.