Prominent US orchestra chief quits

It became known today that Graham Parker has left the Louisville Orchestra, where he was CEO for just under three years. He left on February 28. The orchestra said it delayed sharing the information ‘out of respect for Graham’.

Parker issued an emailed statement: ‘I have been inspired by the Louisville Orchestra and the work we have done together. It is some of the proudest of my life and career.’

He said he wanted to spent more time with his family in New York.

His departure came four days before the orchestra announced its 2025-26 season. Parker had worked closely with music director Teddy Abrams.

Parker is a former Executive Director of the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, General Manager of WQXR and President of Universal’s classical music labels, Decca and DG, in the US.