Spokane Symphony selected for Institutional Vision program

Jul 7, 2009

For Immediate Release

Contact: Annie Matlow 464-7071

The Spokane Symphony is one of seven American orchestras selected to participate in “Institutional Vision,” a nationally competitive three-year program of the League of American Orchestras in New York open to orchestras deeply committed to the principals of long-term institutional growth and success, intense self-reflection and disciplined big-picture thinking.  The program is designed for leadership teams from each orchestra, comprised of board, staff and musician representatives.

The Spokane Symphony, as well as the six others chosen, has received scholarships of $42,000 based on the organization’s merit, stature within its budget class and commitment to artistic excellence.

“We are honored to be selected to participate in this program. It is especially important as we look forward to strategically dealing with the economic realities that face orchestras today,” said Executive Director Brenda Nienhouse.

The other orchestras chosen to participate include the Louisville Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Albany Symphony, South Carolina Philharmonic, Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, and Youth Orchestras of San Antonio.

Faculty for “Institutional Vision” include Thomas W. Morris, former executive director, The Cleveland Orchestra and artistic director, Ojai Music Festival; David Nygren, governance consultant, vice chair, BoardSource; and Lowell Noteboom, former board chair, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and board chair, League of American Orchestras.

Spokane Symphony participants are Nienhouse, Music Director Eckart Preu and Board President Ron Stanley.

The Program begins at the League of American Orchestra’s Orchestra Leadership Academy seminar; “Developing an Institutional Vision,” July 11-16, 2009 at the Eaglewood Resort (outside of Chicago).