009. Governance, a Framework for Effective Leadership
Introduction
Orchestra governance is not merely an administrative function and a managerial framework; it's almost an art form in itself, vital for coordinating the multiple aspects of an orchestral organisation. This governance transcends mere order maintenance; it instils unity and purpose among all stakeholders, from musicians to administrative staff and patrons. An orchestra, in its inherent complexity, mirrors a dynamic, living organism requiring both business acumen and artistic vision. Effective governance plays a pivotal role in ensuring that every staff and stakeholder contributes to a productive, harmonious and resonant entity. Historically, the evolution of orchestra governance has seen shifts from autocratic conductors to more collaborative, board-driven models, reflecting broader socio-cultural changes in organisational leadership. It has also witnessed the multi-step transition from the Baroque-era nobility patronage to the “invention” of the modern and contemporary orchestra CEOs (as seen in a previous article in this newsletter).
The Structure of Orchestra Governance
A successful orchestra is underpinned by a well-structured governance system, comprising key roles that each contribute uniquely to its operational efficacy. Central to this system are the board of directors, executive director, artistic director, various senior managers, and a cohort of volunteers, each with distinct responsibilities that collectively ensure the strategic direction, financial stability, operational efficiency and artistic integrity of the organisation. The coordination and collaboration among these roles are essential for aligning the orchestra's vision with its artistic endeavours, thereby ensuring both sustainability and cultural relevance within an ever-evolving —and highly competitive— artistic environment. Given this foundational structure, attention is directed towards the key roles and their respective functions within the orchestral governance framework.
These roles are crucial in shaping the organisation's overall aspiration to success:
The Board of Directors: As the strategic heart, this group oversees —amongst others— policy-making, financial sustainability, and ethical integrity. Their decisions balance artistic vision with practical viability, a delicate equilibrium explored in more detail in my book “Orchestra Management in Practice.” Notable orchestras like the Vienna Philharmonic, the London Symphonic Orchestra or the LA Phil, to name a few, exemplify how effective boards can sustain artistic integrity while navigating operational complexities.
The CEO or Executive Director in an orchestra is a linchpin for operational excellence and strategic alignment. This role demands a comprehensive skill set, covering strong business acumen, precise administrative capabilities, deep financial insight, and an appreciation for the artistic vision. Key responsibilities include overseeing the daily operations, managing the orchestra's budget and financial planning, leading fundraising efforts, developing actionable roadmaps, defining and recommending new strategic approaches and liaising with the board of directors to ensure that the approved strategic objectives are effectively implemented. The CEO or Executive Director is instrumental in building and maintaining key relationships with stakeholders, including donors, community leaders, and media, to enhance the orchestra's visibility and support. This role is also pivotal in fostering a productive working environment for all staff, aligning operational activities with the artistic goals, and navigating the orchestra through challenges in a variety of domains, thereby ensuring its long-term sustainability and artistic success.
The Artistic Director and (Resident) Conductor: The artistic lifeblood, these roles shape the musical direction and identity of the orchestra. Their creative decisions, when aligned with organisational strategy, are instrumental for artistic excellence and audience engagement. It is important to acknowledge a unique aspect of these roles: both the artistic director and the (resident) conductor often report to both the CEO and the Board. This dual reporting line can create a tension —if not a conflict— in authority allocation, necessitating careful governance, clear policies and a dose of diplomacy to avoid conflicts and maintain a harmonious working environment. It is also worth noting that the first concertmaster also plays a key role in shaping the artistic identity of an orchestra. As the lead violinist and, above all, a pivotal figure within the ensemble, the concertmaster works closely with the conductor and other musicians, influencing artistic decisions and ensuring the highest level of musical excellence and cohesion. A well-known example of a remarkably contributing first concertmaster is Klaidi Sahatchi that has been instrumental in forming the identity of the top-tier orchestras he worked with (such as both Scala orchestras, Milan, or Tonhalle, Zurich).
Senior Managers in an orchestra, active in domains like operations, marketing, communication and PR, HR and people development, community outreach, and fundraising, play a pivotal role in translating strategic visions into concrete realities. These managers are responsible for the smooth running of daily operations, ensuring the logistical aspects of performances and events are flawlessly executed. In marketing and PR, they create and implement strategies to enhance the orchestra's public profile and audience engagement, often leveraging digital platforms to reach wider audiences and open new revenue streams. HR and people development managers focus on nurturing talent within the organisation, from musicians to administrative staff, fostering a culture of growth and excellence, insuring DEI objectives are met in every domain. Community outreach managers are tasked with building meaningful connections with diverse communities, expanding the orchestra's impact and accessibility. Fundraising managers are crucial in securing the financial resources necessary for the orchestra's sustainability, developing relationships with donors and identifying new funding opportunities. Collectively, their expertise and coordinated efforts are integral to the orchestra's overall effectiveness, audience resonance, and long-term success.
Volunteers play an integral role in the governance framework of an orchestra, contributing significantly to its operations and success. Their involvement extends beyond fundraising activities; volunteers often participate in educational and community programs, and may serve as docents, thus playing roles of substantial importance within the institution. They also work closely with staff members, ensuring a unified approach towards the orchestra's goals. Recognition and reinforcement of their contributions are essential, given that they are not financially compensated. In some cases, volunteers can contribute between 5–10% of the organisation’s budget, especially in the U.S.
Effective Governance and Orchestra Performance
Orchestra governance is a linchpin in its success and broader influence, as evidenced by its impact on various performance aspects:
Artistic Excellence: Governance facilitates artistic brilliance. Strategic planning aligns resources with artistic objectives. An interesting example is given by how several orchestras —such as the San Francisco Symphony— witnessed a marked improvement in artistic standards when collaborating with Michael Tilson Thomas, a testament to governance prioritising artistic excellence, innovation and audience development. Their reputation soared alongside their audience base, evidencing the transformative power of effective governance to put the right person at the right place at the right time.
Financial Stability: An orchestra's financial health hinges on governance effectiveness. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra's endowment fund, focused on long-term financial health, is a prime example. Their endowment, substantial in size, has underpinned their artistic and educational ventures, exemplifying prudent financial governance.
Community Engagement and Impact: Governance significantly influences an orchestra's community engagement. The LA Phil’s outreach, including educational programs and community concerts, illustrates governance that values community involvement, enriching the cultural landscape and solidifying support and patronage. Their initiatives, reaching thousands, have become a model of cultural engagement.
These examples highlight that orchestra governance is not just about operational efficiency; it's about nurturing an environment where artistic vision, financial robustness, and community engagement thrive, ensuring long-term success and impact.
Conclusion
The governance of an orchestra is akin to conducting – it requires an understanding of how individual components come together to create a masterpiece. Optimising both the components of orchestra governance and the framework of their interactions ensures the smooth running of these complex entities and upholds their status as cultural icons. Effective governance enables orchestras to thrive, resonating with power and passion, impacting lives both within and beyond the concert hall. It invites reflection on how these principles could be applied across various organisational structures, enhancing effectiveness and cultural relevance.
Your Thoughts?
I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences with orchestra governance. Have you seen how different ways of managing things can affect an orchestra's performance? Or do you have any thoughts on how these strategies might be effective in other organisations? Whether you're directly involved in this world, just love orchestras, or are a regular audience member, your views really help add to our shared knowledge of this fascinating area. So, don't hesitate to drop your comments below!
More details and relevant bibliographic references may be found in my new book, Orchestra Management in Practice (Routledge, London, 2024).
The author, not a native English speaker, used Large Language Models (LLMs) for editing the article, addressing grammar, syntax, and spelling, enhancing fluency and readability, and translating sections from his native languages. Academically, LLMs helped in peer-reviewing, identifying gaps, and suggesting improvements.
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