Bombshell: New York Philharmonic chief quits

Matthew VanBesien, president of the New York Philharmonic, is leaving in May.

He has arranged to succeed Kenneth C Fisher as president of the University Musical Society of the University of Michigan, a job of considerably less visibility. Besien starts in Ann Arbor in July 2017.

VanBesien, 47, said: ‘I am truly honored to become the next president of UMS. UMS, its extraordinary programming, staff, and board are, simply put, among the most admired in the performing arts field. It’s my great privilege to be able to succeed Ken Fischer, who I know and deeply respect, and with whom I’ve collaborated during my tenure at the New York Philharmonic. While my career has been centered in the orchestral world for the last 25 years, I’m extremely excited about the diversity of programming that UMS offers, both on the stage and working throughout their community. I’ve visited Ann Arbor several times over the past few years and love the energy and sense of commitment that pervades both the University of Michigan and the Ann Arbor community. My wife Rosie and I are looking forward to moving to Michigan and immersing ourselves in all that the region offers.’

UPDATE: New York Philharmonic in chaos.

UPDATE: I want a more audacious job.