Update: Baltimore has a new boss

We hear that the Baltimore Symphony has hired Peter Kjome from the Grand Rapids Symphony as its next chief executive. He replaces Paul Meecham, who left in June to join the Utah Symphony. UPDATE: The appointment was confirmed today; he starts work on February 1st.

Kjome, 49, is a Grand Rapids lifer, graduating from principal oboe to CEO in 2008. He had some business experience before his music career, working eight years for 3M after graduation.

In 2011, Kjome negotiated four months of turbulence in a difficult contract negotiation wit the Grand Rapids musicians. This year, he appointed the Brazilian Marcelo Lehninger as music director.

In Baltimore, he faces a dying contract – it ends next September – and an unsettled organisation.