US orchestra names neurosurgeon as CEO

US orchestra names neurosurgeon as CEO

Orchestras

norman lebrecht

March 29, 2024

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra has appointed Dr Ralph Kuncl, 75, as its Chief Executive Officer.

A former professor of neurology, pathology, and cellular and molecular medicine at John Hopkins School of Medicine, Kuncl is Emeritus President of the University of Redlands in California and formerly in charge of Eastman School of Music.

Running an orchestra? You don’t have to be a brain surgeon.

Comments

  • Save the MET says:

    A neurologist is not a neurosurgeon. He also was a University President in California, so he has administrative experience.

  • Zandonai says:

    Running an orchestra is like doing a surgery, you have to be clinically precise and swearing the hypocritical oath.

  • Tricky Sam says:

    It boggles the mind. I’m an experienced orchestra manager, Maybe I’ll apply for a job as a neurologist.

    His bio talks about “overseeing” Eastman while he was Provost of the University of Rochester. That’s a far cry from being “in charge.”

    Of course, he did have one VERY important qualification: he lives in Annapolis.

    I’ll bet all the money I have that he doesn’t stay more than two years. Any takers?

    • The Budgins says:

      My mind is officially boggled on their choice! Like you, I can’t imagine him staying there very long.

  • Potpourri says:

    A psychiatrist might be needed to work with creative artists and financial analysts. Mozart lived much of his life in poverty, depending on support from wealthy patrons.

  • John Borstlap says:

    Given the rampant neurosis reigning in music life and some added psychopathy here & there – I don’t want to name names, but I immediatey think of [redacted] and [redacted] – appointing a neurolo/pathologist demonstrates a profound insight in the workings of classical music.

  • Music Lover says:

    It’s Johns Hopkins.

  • Bbot says:

    It’s Johns Hopkins.

  • Phil Greenfield says:

    That’s Johns Hopkins with an “S”. by the way.

  • V. Lind says:

    The Eastman School of Music? Sounds like he knows his sharps from his flats.

  • OSF says:

    Not a neurosurgeon, but a true Renaissance man. Interesting choice; nice semi-retirement job.

    • Tricky Sam says:

      Being the full-time CEO of a professional orchestra is your idea of a “semi retirement job?”

      • OSF says:

        Their budget is less than $5 million, with six subscription programs a year. I’m sure they’re a fine orchestra but it’s not like he’s taking on the CSO.

  • CA says:

    See how long this lasts. See how well he understands unions and past practice.

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