Grand Rapids Symphony's Peter Kjome Appointed as Baltimore Symphony President And CEO

Grand Rapids Symphony President and CEO Peter Kjome, who has led the orchestra through its international search for a new Music Director as well as to the successful conclusion of its $40 million Legacy of Excellence Campaign, has been named the new President and CEO of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. He takes up new duties in Baltimore on Feb. 1, 2017.

In all, Kjome has been with the Grand Rapids Symphony for 16 years, first for eight years as a musician from 1990 to 1998, and then as President and CEO for the past eight years.

"Our community was delighted when Peter returned to the Grand Rapids Symphony as President in 2008, and his leadership provides a strong foundation for our next President," said GRS Board Chairperson Kate Pew Wolters.

Under Kjome's leadership, the Symphony reached several multi-year collective bargaining agreements with its musicians, including a five-year agreement signed in April, and the orchestra adopted a five-year strategic plan in May.

An important part of Kjome's legacy is the appointment in June of Marcelo Lehninger as Music Director with a five-year contract.

"I am happy for Peter and congratulate him on his appointment as the President of the Baltimore Symphony," Lehninger said. "It is wonderful that Peter has continued to lead the GRS during this time of transition."

It's a natural time for new leadership for the Grand Rapids Symphony as well as for Kjome to take up new challenges. A strong leadership team is in place, and the orchestra is pursuing its new strategic plan.

"Eight years ago, we set out a number of ambitious goals, including continuing to elevate artistic excellence, expanding our education programs, and launching and completing an endowment campaign," Kjome said. "With the support of our community, we have made great progress. The Symphony is ready to move forward toward a bright future with new leadership."

To co-chair the Symphony's presidential search committee, the Grand Rapids Symphony's Board of Directors has named its Chairperson Elect Charles Frayer and its Vice Chairperson Mary Tuuk to lead the search. Tuuk also co-chaired the recent Music Director Search Committee that selecTed Marcelo Lehninger to recommend to the full Board for appointment as Music Director.

Since 1917, the West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) has worked to market the very best of West Michigan to travelers. Covering the entire west side of Michigan from the Indiana border to Mackinac Island and into the Upper Peninsula, WMTA presents information on the best attractions, lodging, events, and activities in West Michigan. For more information on this non-profit organization, please visit WMTA.org.

Please use this press-ready travel feature from West Michigan Tourist Association in any way you like. It may be run in its entirety, in part, or used as a source for your own story. If I can be of any additional help (contact information, photos, etc.), please don't hesitate to get in touch with me at Jeremy@WMTA.org.