‘I don’t look like the CEO of an orchestra’
NewsMark Williams starts work at the Toronto Symphony. He’s the only orchestral chief of colour in North America.
Mark, former head of artistic operations at the Cleveland Orchestra, tells the Toronto Star:
“You do not move through your life thinking you are going to be the first anything,” he says. “Why would I be first? Now, I feel responsibility. I think anyone who is a person of colour in certain positions, one feels the weight, that what you do represents others, for better or for worse. I do know how much representation matters.
“I do not look like what the CEO of orchestra is supposed to look like,” he adds. “Whenever people are a bit surprised, it just underscores for me the work that needs to be done. And in many ways, I am an example of that work. I want to be a champion for this music. It is for everyone.”
UPDATE: Anwar Nasir became Executive Director of the Louisiana Philharmonic in July 2021.
He is one of the most impressive people I met in my proffesional life. In many ways.
I absolutely agree!
“I do not look like what the CEO of orchestra is supposed to look like,” he adds. “Whenever people are a bit surprised, it just underscores for me the work that needs to be done. And in many ways, I am an example of that work. I want to be a champion for this music. It is for everyone.”
Well said, Mark.
“I do not look like what the CEO of orchestra is supposed to look like”
I agree that his suit jacket is a little wrinkled, but this is easy to fix, and after a long day of meetings this could happen. Good luck!
Correction: Anwar Nasir who runs the Louisiana Philharmonic is also a black man. He has been in the role since July 2021.
I rather dislike the lazy conflating of “usually” with “supposed to”.
Correction: Blake Anthony Johnson is CEO of the Chicago Sinfonietta.
Mark Williams is one of the most knowledgeable gentlemen in the classical music world. He also has a vast knowledge of repertoire and musicians. And he’s one stonking hell of a great guy!
Working with him while performing with some of his artists was always a treat.
Well, he’s certainly correct that he doesn’t look like the typical CEO. He’s significantly more attractive.
I am utterly indifferent to the colour of a conductor’s skin, just as i am indifferent as to whether he is circumsized or has his wisdom teeth.
I’d be very interested in knowing whether he can wave a baton, interpret music, and lead a bunch of musicians who generally resist being led.
“Now, I feel responsibility. I think anyone who is a person of colour in certain positions, one feels the weight, that what you do represents others, for better or for worse. I do know how much representation matters.”
Back in the 40s and 50s black people summed that all up with… “I want to be a credit to my race.”