Musical chairs at Canada’s top job
mainThe next president and CEO of the National Arts Centre in Ottawa will be Christopher Deacon.
Aged 59, he has worked for the NAC since 1987 and has recently been its #2.
His predecessor, Peter Herrndorf, held the job for 18 years.
It’s a very slow game of musical chairs.
More here.
This is wonderful news for the National Arts Centre, and the entire Canadian performing arts community! Christopher is a visionary, extremely knowledgeable, passionate, dedicated, determined, approachable and honest arts administrator with an extraordinary character, and humility. It is both comforting and exciting to know such an important national institution will be in such good hands. Congratulations, Christopher and congratulations NAC!
I’m sceptical (and I know Ottawa and the NAC very well). But I am glad that the new boss comes from the orchestra, which is the best part of the centre.
I also know them, and know Mr. Deacon, too. Early days, but I would say this is an excellent appointment.
I also think the Orchestra is very fine, but I challenge “best of the centre.” The NAC’s Dance programme is the best in the country, presenting as it does a huge tranche of international companies in one house every season.
A great appointment.