SCP Chosen to Participate in 2009 National Institutional Vision Program for Orchestras

May 31, 2009

League of American Orchestras assisting seven orchestras with strategic planning and change

COLUMBIA, SC – May 29, 2009 –  The South Carolina Philharmonic is one of seven orchestras participating in the fourth Institutional Vision Program administered by the League of American Orchestras’ Orchestra Leadership Academy.

During the intensive three-year program, teams from the selected orchestras will tackle key long-term, big-picture issues facing their individual organizations in order to bring about major institutional change. The other selected orchestras are: Albany Symphony, Louisville Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Spokane Symphony Orchestra, Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, and Youth Orchestras of San Antonio. The seven selected orchestras were admitted to the program after undergoing a competitive application process.

 “Orchestras rarely get to do the soul-searching necessary to strategically direct their organizations toward long-term growth and vitality,” said Jesse Rosen, president and CEO of the League. “The Institutional Vision Program enables them to focus on big institutional concerns with the support of national leaders both in League settings and at home. The program is a great example of how our Orchestra Leadership Academy creatively helps orchestras to help themselves.”

According to SCP Executive Director Rhonda Hunsinger, the SCP has already addressed the more traditional question of how to take the organization to the next level.

“With the appointment of Morihiko Nakahara as our music director and the recent completion of our Strategic Plan, we are well on our way to new levels of institutional and artistic excellence,” Hunsinger said. “The big question for us now is how do we use this success to position ourselves for greater growth and stability, especially with current economic challenges? I am exceptionally pleased with the timing of the award, since this type of peer and faculty-driven guidance will enable us to continue to broaden our perspectives for the future, and not just tomorrow.”

Thanks to the generosity of Daniel R. Lewis, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Argosy Foundation, and The Hearst Foundation, the program is fully funded.

The Institutional Vision Program begins with the seminar, “Developing an Institutional Vision” from July 11-16, 2009, followed by sessions in the orchestras’ home settings and at the League’s national conferences. The program is led by Thomas Morris, artistic director of the Ojai Festival and former executive director of The Cleveland Orchestra. Other faculty members are Lowell Noteboom, chair of the League’s board of directors and former board chair of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra; and  David Nygren, a governance consultant who is vice chair of BoardSource.

League of American Orchestras
The League of American Orchestras leads, encourages, supports and serves orchestras as they assure the vitality of the musical experience, strengthen their organizations, and deepen their connections with their public and their communities. Founded in 1942, the League serves nearly 1,000 member symphony, chamber, youth, and university orchestras of all sizes, and supports a network of thousands of administrators, board members, musicians, conductors, volunteers, and business partners. Visit www.americanorchestras.org to learn more.

Orchestra Leadership Academy is the League’s professional development program designed to enhance the institutional strength of orchestras.  Distinguished faculty in management and the arts offer dynamic seminars to orchestra staff, board members, musicians, conductors, and volunteers, focusing on strengthening orchestra leadership, building skills in specific program areas, and creating opportunities for those new to orchestra management.  The Orchestra Leadership Academy is made possible by grants from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Argosy Foundation, The Hearst Foundation, Inc., the National Endowment for the Arts, The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, ConEdison and Target.

South Carolina Philharmonic
An independent 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, the South Carolina Philharmonic entertains, educates, enriches and excites diverse audiences throughout the Midlands and beyond. The introduction of Music Director Morihiko Nakahara in 2008/2009 ushered in a New Era of Artistic Excellence that is allowing the orchestra to move forward and become the Midlands pre-eminent performing arts group.