The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Appoints Cristina Rocca to the Position of Vice President for Artistic Planning

Jeff Alexander, who officially assumes duties as President of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association on January 12, 2015, announced today the appointment of Cristina Rocca to the position of Vice President for Artistic Planning, the Richard and Mary L. Gray Chair, effective March 16, 2015. Rocca replaces Martha S. Gilmer, who left the CSOA in September to become Chief Executive Officer of the San Diego Symphony.

In her new role, Rocca will design and execute the artistic plans and vision for the CSOA, working closely with Chicago Symphony Orchestra Music Director Riccardo Muti and CSOA President Jeff Alexander to develop innovative programs and to engage guest artists for the CSO.

She will also collaborate with the CSOA's Director of Programming in the presentation of guest artists and ensembles from a wide variety of genres-classical, jazz, world, and contemporary-annually offered as part of the CSOA's prestigious presenting series, Symphony Center Presents.

Born in Bologna, Italy, Rocca currently serves as Artistic Director, Orchestre National de France, a post she has held since September 2012. Before that, she was Director of Artistic Planning for the Cleveland Orchestra. She also has been the Artistic Manager, Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg; Head of Concerts and Programming, Bournemouth Symphony; and Head of Artistic Planning, Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia.

Rocca is known for her strong skills in orchestral arts administration, her collegiality and professionalism and her deep knowledge of and experience with classical music repertoire and artists, many of whom the CSO engages regularly. She is fluent in English, French and Italian.

Her numerous accomplishments include widening and diversifying the repertoire and pool of visiting artists at the Orchestre National de France, where she worked alongside Music Director Daniele Gatti to enhance the orchestra's position nationally and internationally. There she also strengthened relationships with the ARTE, Medici and Mezzo television and web companies. In Cleveland, Rocca's knowledge of and experience in the European music world helped contribute to the success and diversification of the orchestra's programming at home and on tour.

In announcing Rocca's appointment, Alexander said, "It became clear during the search process to fill this very important position that Cristina Rocca's background, experience, artistic sensibilities and personal qualities were exactly what we were looking for. Her reputation with artists and artist managers in the United States and internationally is impeccable. I am pleased to welcome Cristina to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association, and look forward to working with her."

Riccardo Muti, Music Director of the CSO, said, "I am very happy that Cristina Rocca has accepted the position of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Vice President for Artistic Planning. She is someone I have known well for many years and is a person of great experience and professionalism. She will be a wonderful addition to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra family."

Said Rocca, "I feel privileged and honored to have been offered the opportunity to join the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Maestro Riccardo Muti in this wonderful city. It is particularly exciting as the Orchestra approaches the milestone of its 125th anniversary, and I cannot wait to become a part of their extraordinary story."

Rocca's academic background includes early studies in music theory and piano followed by a degree in music, graduating cum laude, from the University of Bologna; a diploma in liberal arts administration from the Musical Research Experimental Center in Florence; and a diploma in operatic and choral music from the Teatro Comunale, Bologna.

The Vice President of Artistic Planning, the Richard and Mary L. Gray Chair, is the only administrative position at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association that is endowed. In 2013, longtime supporters Richard and Mary L. Gray and the Richard and Mary L. Gray Foundation made a $1.25 million commitment to the CSOA. The contribution was divided: $250,000 was to support artistic innovation and programming, while $1 million was to endow and name the vice presidency responsible for artistic administration. At that time, Martha S. Gilmer held the position, having been appointed to it in 1998.

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is supported by tens of thousands of other volunteers, patrons and corporate, foundation, government and individual donors. Bank of America is the Global Sponsor of the CSO. The CSO's music director position is endowed in perpetuity by a generous gift from the Zell Family Foundation. The Negaunee Foundation provides generous support in perpetuity for the work of the Negaunee Music Institute of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Photo Credit: Radio France / Christophe Abramowitz