Chamber Orchestra Names New Executive Director

Effective Monday, July 14, 2014, Janelle McCoy will assume the position of Executive Director of The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, a resident company of the Kimmel Center, now poised to enter its 50th Anniversary Season. She was most recently Executive Director of the Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia, one of the nation's oldest and most respected independent choruses. In addition to her extensive experience in arts management, Ms. McCoy has also enjoyed a distinguished career as a mezzo-soprano, performing with leading orchestras such as the Atlanta Symphony, and under the baton of celebrated conductors like Robert Spano, Donald Runnicles, and the late Robert Shaw.

Susan Schwartz McDonald, President of The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia commented, "We are thrilled to have Janelle assume the executive leadership position at the Chamber Orchestra. The depth of her resume and the strength of her organizational vision make her the clear choice to lead us at this milestone moment in the orchestra's history," Added McDonald, "Janelle's diverse skill set gives us the managerial discipline we need to operate effectively, along with the perspective to think expansively about our role in the Philadelphia arts community. We want to broaden our impact on audiences in the region and beyond."

Dirk Brossé, Music Director of The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, underscored the value of McCoy's dual executive and artistic credentials, noting, "I am absolutely delighted to have Janelle as a colleague and collaborator. She will be an ideal partner in setting the course toward even greater achievement for this orchestra. The organization is in excellent hands."

During her tenure with the Mendelssohn Club, McCoy quadrupled the group's income and was instrumental in securing grants from major arts funding organizations. Her leadership produced initiatives that sponsored new works and helped develop creative programming that met with consistently enthusiastic audience response.

Before pursuing a career in arts management, McCoy worked as a consultant in the commercial sector with a particular focus on the use of information technology to optimize marketing effectiveness and achieve cost-reduction. She has also lectured nationally on behalf of not-for-profit organizations and foundations who seek to equip their stakeholders with tools for the development of institutional vision and strategy.

"I am truly honored to be asked to assume the executive leadership position for an orchestra I've long admired - especially at this exciting juncture," said Janelle McCoy. "Philadelphia has an exceptionally rich arts culture, and the Chamber Orchestra is one of its crown jewels. We've got outstanding musicians, an exceptionally talented Music Director, and a Board of Directors who are passionate about the impact of this orchestra on our community. Who could resist that combination?"

Kenneth M. Jarin, Esq., Chairman of the Chamber Orchestra Board of Directors remarked, "More than ever before, arts organizations need strong and creative executive leadership to meet their challenges. I am confident that Janelle McCoy is the right person to help The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia launch its next fifty years. Her many talents and her intimate knowledge of Philadelphia's dynamic arts environment give us the tools we need to ensure that our second half-century is just as vital as our first."

McCoy assumes the position vacated by Peter Gistelinck, who resigned at the end of the 2013-14 season, after eight years with The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, to become Executive Director of the Kalamazoo Symphony. The search for his replacement was led by the Arts Consulting Group (ACG).