Two Chicago Symphony chiefs quit on the same afternoon
mainDavid Chambers, Vice President for Development at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for the past 10 months, yesterday joined the San Francisco Symphony as Chief Revenue and Advancement Officer.
That same afternoon, Philip Koester – Chicago’s Vice President for Sales and Marketing – joined the LA Phil as Vice President of Marketing and Communications.
Make of that what you will.
If you’re not staying there for life, CSO isn’t a bad name to have on the resume
“Chief Revenue and Advancement Officer”? What B.S.!
Yes these orchestra titles are becoming quite ridiculous. They are trying to imitate the Fortune 500 companies but these titles are laughable.
Fund raising is almost always called “development” in the United States.
“Advancement” is becoming more common with arts organisations in the US. It dominates in secondary education fundraising titles.
“Revenue” is misleading, I think, unless the position is also responsible for box office.
That said, a ten-month tenure for the top fundraising (oh, sorry, advancement) position with a major organisation indicates a larger problem. You can’t learn the names of the major donors in 10 months, much less make any significant impact. All you get is an awkward question for your next job interview.
The Chicago winters can take their toll.
Nothing like the wildfires of California to warm things back up. Best to stay indoors though to wait for the earthquake.
I have heard from reliable sources that working for Muti is not easy. You have to attend all his concerts and forever kissing the ring of the Pope.
CSO must offer uncompetitive low pay.