Los Angeles Philharmonic Featured In League of American Orchestras Study

The Los Angeles Philharmonic is featured in a new League of American Orchestras study showcasing innovative developments in orchestra management, programming, and operations while proposing a model for fostering innovative change. The new publication, Fearless Journeys: Innovation in Five American Orchestras, presents case studies of the Los Angeles Philharmonic as well as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, the Pacific Symphony and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. The five orchestras were selected from a group of 150 orchestras that responded to a League survey on innovation and represent a wide range of budget sizes, business models, and geographic locations. The complete manuscript can be found on the League of American Orchestras website (http://www.americanorchestras.org).

The major discovery of the study was that all the orchestra initiatives contain six common factors: a committed and resolute leadership, an expansive vision, an open artistic decision making model, coordination by an explicit integrator, a prolific use of partnerships, and a foundation of artistic excellence.

"Innovation is a key organizational priority and curatorial responsibility at the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Being recognized for this work is extremely fulfilling. If we can also serve as an example to other orchestras on how to achieve innovation within a sustainable business model, we can all look forward to a very bright future," says Deborah Borda, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association.

"Orchestras seeking new ways to fulfill their missions in changing environments need more information about how to foster innovative change. The variety of strategies developed by these five orchestras, and The Commonalities among them, offer a beginning for exploration," said Jesse Rosen, President and CEO of the League of American Orchestras. "We hope that Fearless Journeys will encourage all orchestras to reflect on and develop their own capacity for innovation."

The study defines innovation as activities that address areas integral to an orchestra's health, solve specific problems, and can be sustained, replicated, and adapted. These initiatives are ongoing and continue to shape the organization's relationship with their community.

Dr. Lela Tepavac of Fit Leadership, an organizational psychologist experienced in working with leadership assessment and problem solving in Fortune 500 companies, developed the methodology and served as principal researcher for Fearless Journeys: Innovation in Five American Orchestras. The League appointed a steering committee from the field to oversee the project and provide guidance.

The publication was made possible by a grant from the MetLife Foundation with additional support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, under the vibrant leadership of Gustavo Dudamel, presents the finest in orchestral and chamber music, recitals, new music, jazz, world music and holiday concerts at two of the most remarkable locations anywhere to experience music - Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. In addition to a 30-week winter subscription season at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the LA Phil presents a 12-week summer festival at the legendary Hollywood Bowl, summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and home of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. In fulfilling its commitment to the community, the Association's involvement with Los Angeles extends to educational concerts, children's programming and community concerts, ever seeking to provide inspiration and delight to the broadest possible audience.

Visit http://www.laphil.com to learn more.
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