Symphony San Jose (The Symphony) has selected Robert Massey as General Director, following an executive search process led by Arts Consulting Group (ACG). He will begin his tenure on June 1, 2022.
A veteran in the classical music space, Massey has built a reputation as a dynamic, visionary, and entrepreneurial leader in the music industry. He has served as chief executive of the Jacksonville Symphony, Opera Festival of Chicago, Louisville Orchestra, Orchestra Iowa, and the Washington Bach Consort.
Throughout his 25-year career in arts administration, Massey commissioned more than 50 new compositions, choreographies, and stage productions; overseen two performing arts venue construction projects; led three multimillion-dollar fundraising campaigns; and co-founded the Opera Festival of Chicago, Iris Orchestra, and Opus Concert Café
In making the announcement, Board Chair Richard Conniff said, “We knew that finding a successor to our founding General Director after his long-planned retirement would be a tall order. Our unique business model drew interest from an extraordinarily diverse and qualified pool of candidates from all over the world. Robert Massey has the combination of artistic and organizational accomplishment we know makes him a perfect fit to continue and grow the relevance of Symphony San Jose in the heart of Silicon Valley.”
“I’m delighted to be appointed General Director of Symphony San Jose,” said Massey. “As the symphony celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year, I look forward to collaborating with its musicians, staff, and board in connecting the San Jose community through innovative and impactful symphonic music experiences.”
“We are thrilled for the board and staff of Symphony San Jose as they welcome inspiring and outgoing visionary leader Robert Massey, as their new General Director,” said ACG Vice President Geoff Chang. “Robert’s exceptional dedication and innovative approach to the arts and music is going to resonate deeply with the organization and its community. I look forward to the bright future Robert will lead The Symphony into.”