Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Names Tonya McBride Robles as New President & CEO

The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) Board of Directors announced the appointment of seasoned performing arts executive Tonya McBride Robles as the organization’s next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective August 17, 2026.

McBride Robles brings more than two decades of senior executive experience navigating professional orchestras and educational divisions through periods of structural growth, artistic innovation, and financial complexity. Most recently, she served as the Vice President of Expanded Education at the New England Conservatory in Boston, where she oversaw the institution’s community and digital learning divisions.

“Tonya’s combination of operational excellence, artistic understanding, fundraising success, and public-facing leadership experience makes her uniquely qualified to build on the RPO’s strong foundation and guide the organization into its next chapter,” said Diana Clarkson, RPO Board Chair.

McBride Robles succeeds Curt Long who served as the RPO’s President and CEO for nine years, anchoring the institution’s core operations and ushering the organization into its second century of symphonic music. The move comes at a time when the orchestra is in the midst of a $50M+ Comprehensive Campaign to grow the endowment, expand the RPO’s education and community engagement programs, and provide long-term sustainability.

McBride Robles is a classically trained singer holding a Bachelor of Music Education from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University. She earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus and has served as Chief Operating Officer of both the Baltimore and Nashville Symphonies.  In those roles, she managed major operational budgets up to $28 million, directed ticket revenue growth, secured seven-figure philanthropic gifts, and successfully negotiated landmark multi-year labor agreements. She developed partnerships with community activists, encouraged audience diversification, and advanced cross-genre collaborations with local indie artists. McBride Robles also accompanied her U.S. Naval Officer spouse on international assignments, spanning Spain, Bahrain, Japan, and Ecuador, where he served as Naval Attaché. This extensive cross-cultural experience shaped a leadership philosophy anchored in empathy, resilience, and community building.

“I’m honored to join the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra at such an exciting moment in its history,” said McBride Robles. “The RPO’s commitment to artistic excellence, education, and community engagement is deeply inspiring. I look forward to partnering with Music Director Andreas Delfs, Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik, the musicians, staff, board, donors, and the Rochester community to build on the orchestra’s remarkable legacy.”

McBride Robles will be focused on growing earned and contributed revenues plus developing innovative patron experiences for diverse audiences throughout Greater Rochester. The RPO Search Committee reviewed an exceptional pool of national candidates to find a leader with the ability to unite artistic, financial, and community priorities, while mirroring goals set by the organization’s founder.

“I am excited to build on the distinguished history of this organization which honors George Eastman’s vision of the orchestra belonging to the community,” McBride Robles elaborated. “The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra has earned a national reputation for artistic excellence through the vision and dedication of generations of musicians, music directors, board members, staff, volunteers, and supporters.  I look forward to working alongside this talented team to ensure the RPO continues to thrive and serve Rochester for generations to come.”