Exclusive: LA Phil has new chief
OrchestrasWe hear the Los Angeles Philharmonic is about to announce a new president and chief executive.
According to our trusty mole, it’s going to be Kim Noltemy, presently prez of the Dallas Symphony. UPDATE: This report has now been confirmed by all parties. It was originally scheduled for announcement on Friday.
Kim will take over from LAPO’s interim CEO Daniel Song whose year in charge has been frayed by executive pay hikes and plummeting staff morale.
Before taking over Dallas in January 2018, Kim Notelmy was Chief Operating and Communications Officer for 12 years at the Boston Symphony, which has taken both of its last CEOs from the LA Phil.
Expect an announcement before Pacific sunset.
Choice Kim quote: ‘It was always difficult to be a non-musician in a very specialized field like orchestra management. There are so many technical aspects to the work and so much knowledge that is innate to musicians that I had to work hard to learn. I was motivated because I wanted to be good at my job, and I knew it would be valuable for me both professionally and personally to know a lot more about music and orchestral repertoire. There were times that people made me feel stupid or silly for my lack of knowledge, but it just made me want to overcome that inexperience. It also made realize that a lot of people are intimidated or think they don’t know enough to enjoy classical music. My experience helped me strategize ways that my orchestra could reach more people who did not have a musical background or play instruments, and we need new fans!’
UPDATE: Can Kim save the LA Phil?
Kim is a big talent and I wish her well.
She has made a positive difference with the Dallas Symphony.
Agreed. Her passion, respect, work ethic and trust are her hallmarks. Perfect choice!
Are they paying her same $1.5m salary that they paid Borda?
Well, Dallas is embarking on a Ring cycle, so clearly she’s capable of pulling off ambitious things. Good luck to her.
Very solid and safe pick. Wishing her the best!
she would be the perfect fit for the job!
We are sure going to miss her at the DSO!
As a member of the Dallas Symphony, I can say from personal experience that Kim has made a huge positive impact here. She is not afraid to tackle any issue and has expanded the role of the Dallas Symphony both locally and through online Arts channels, and especially in education. She has been a pleasure to work with, and earned the respect of all the musicians here. If I promise to bring more cookies to work, will she stay?
Thank you David. I’m happy she is coming to Los Angeles
You might have to send the cookies to LA, bro!
There aren’t enough positive words to describe Kim’s leadership. Wishing her the very best, as she IS one of the best.
As another one she has helped, I enthusiastically concur.
Many thanks for the scoop, Norman! As a long-time patron of the LA Phil, I think this is enormously encouraging news. From everything I’ve read, Kim looks to be an extremely good fit – someone who will enthusiastically embrace and build upon what the orchestra has become. Not coincidentally, a number of DSO initiatives and community outreach programs mirror what Borda and Dudamel have established in LA (perhaps their longest-lasting legacy). And, despite the rumors, I don’t believe that they could have locked in a long-term commitment from a top-tier MD without their prospective long-term boss in place. Most importantly, under her stewardship, the DSO has demonstrated the highest hallmark representative of a well-managed orchestra, particularly in the tumultuous and media-oriented environment that they must now successfully navigate and operate within: a healthy and stable organization that appears to be devoid of ill-will, negativity and drama.
It’s Daniel Song, not Daniel Sing.
It’s also Kim Noltemy, not Kim Notelmy… Oof.
Actually it’s Daniel Sing Song.
actually, zandonai’s 9 years old and should be doing homework right now.
Great pick, she was already amazing in Boston in a different function. She changed the face of the Dallas Symphony opening to the community, initiating youth programs and hiring Fabio Luisi after the difficult and rather abusive time with his predecessor. New initiatives and finally great programming with a lot of female artists and composers. It was clear that Dallas was not going to be enough for her skills (as it is not enough for Luisi’s skills – let’s hope for Dallas that he stays), she will have a lot of work in LA, also replacing Dudamel will be a tricky task. An excellent choice for LA Phil. We hope she will stay there longer than in Dallas.
Having worked in the Marketing department under Kim’s leadership when she was at the Boston Symphony Orchestra, I have many fond memories of working with Kim- there simply wasn’t anything she would’t do, even transporting music stands and setting them up for a community concert. She is 100% hands on.
Her community- driven and musician-focused approach especially in marketing made a huge difference in developing young audiences and her spirit of general openess made working for her and the department enjoyable.
She’s strategic, focused, and incredibly kind.
Her kindness makes all the difference as a leader.
The LA Phil are very lucky to have her!
Glad to see Chad Smith GO! Very imperious, stuck-up, entitled energy. I tried introducing some new-to-LA, deep pocket, potential MAJOR donors, to him at the Philharmonic opening-night gala. He totally ignored us. Made nice (and generous!) people feel like scuffed brown shoes with an Armani tuxedo. Maybe Kim Notelmy, and that legendary “Big D” hospitality and charm will attract more donors, and audience members.
a big event like an opening night gala is neither the right time nor place to meet and chit chat with someone, espcially something as serious as some new nouveau-riche guy in town.
Make an official office visit or dinner appointment with him.
Um…..I think that’s exactly what an opening night gala is FOR! A simple “Hello, welcome to Los Angeles” would have been nice. We actually got more respect, and warmth from the valet parking man!
I have been to enough such events (as a +1) to know you only go to see and be seen. Lots of schmoozing and air kisses and nonsense like that going on at these galas.
Well…better luck with new CEO Kim.
If we survey the success of orchestras over many years, it is easy to see that Kim is the obvious choice at this juncture of the LA Phil. Her humility is her greatest asset. Her respect, trust and work ethic are enviable. There’s no inflated ego, and she gets the job done – and more. Her vision and ability to rally people together will make LA a very happy city.