Symphony notes
Dallas Symphony president Kim Noltemy departs for new role in L.A.
Kim Noltemy (with James Leffler at a Dallas event) is headed to the L.A. Philmarmonic. Photo by Gittings
Kim Noltemy, the Ross Perot President & CEO of the Dallas Symphony, is headed to California. She has been appointed the (even longer title of) Los Angeles Philharmonic President & Chief Executive Officer and David C. Bohnett CEO Chair.
According to a release, Noltemy's last day with the DSO will be June 28, 2024. The Dallas Symphony Association Board will soon begin the search for the next leader, they say.
“Though we will miss her greatly, we congratulate Kim on this incredible next step in her career,” says DSA board chairman Cece Smith in the release. “She has been a transformative leader of the DSO who has strengthened the reputation of the organization here in Dallas and around the world. Most of all, she has built long-lasting relationships between the DSA and the Dallas community and, personally, with our donors, patrons, staff and musicians."
Noltemy has helmed the Dallas Symphony since January 2018, and notably, oversaw both the appointment of Fabio Luisi as music director and the transition of management of the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center from the City of Dallas to the DSA. She steered the symphony through the challenging COVID-years of 2020-2022, helping to ensure safe presentation of concerts and community events and a full return to the stage, post-pandemic.
Noltemy is also credited with spearheading the Women in Classical Music initiative and expanding the DSO’s education and youth programs; Kim Noltemy Young Musicians – renamed in her honor in 2021 – will celebrate its five-year anniversary this June, the release says.
“She has been a valuable partner in our artistic plans, and she has made possible some of our very ambitious artistic endeavors, including the current Ring cycle," Luisi says. "She has also paved the way for our recording and touring projects, and I am grateful for all the work she has done to build the reputation of the orchestra. I congratulate her on her new role, and I wish her happiness and success in Los Angeles.”
Noltemy will leave just days after another achievement: overseeing the DSO's first European tour in over a decade, June 3-16.
“My time at the Dallas Symphony has been incredible and a truly fulfilling period of my professional life,” Noltemy says. “The board, staff and musicians welcomed me warmly when I arrived, and they have been fantastic partners as we built new programs, expanded our impact on the community and elevated our artistic reputation globally.
"The move to Los Angeles is bittersweet because I know that there is more work needed to reach the DSO's ultimate goals and ambitions. I am confident in the leadership of our board and management team to continue the great organizational momentum.”
