The Seattle Symphony’s President & CEO, Krishna Thiagarajan, has stepped down, along with the CFO/COO, Cheronne Wong and VP HR/Chief Diversity Officer, Paul Johnson.
The organisation has endured three turbulent years, which saw a music director resign by email, saying he had been threatened by the CEO, along with other disputes and resignations. The recent appointment of a new music director inspired little confidence.
The press release is uncommonly generous:
Seattle, WA — The Seattle Symphony and Benaroya Hall today announced that Dr. Krishna Thiagarajan, President & CEO, will resign after six and a half years of dedicated service to the organization. His last day will be April 30, 2025.
“It’s been a deeply fulfilling experience to work with all the talented and dedicated people at the Seattle Symphony, Benaroya Hall and its foundation,” stated Dr. Thiagarajan. “Leading the organization through COVID, the rebuilding of audiences and the historic appointment of Xian Zhang as the first female and woman of color Music Director have been some of the highlights of my time here.”
“Equality and diversity have always been the core values guiding my work over these last six plus years, which has led to a substantial broadening of the programming presented by both the Symphony and Benaroya Hall,” Dr. Thiagarajan continued. “I plan to continue this work and dedicate this next phase of my career to fostering a better understanding of true cultural diversity, and how the creative sector can enhance our lives and create a better future for all.”
During Dr. Thiagarajan’s tenure, the Seattle Symphony and Benaroya Hall overcame challenges and strengthened their legacies and community impact. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Symphony secured substantial private, government and grant recovery funding, enabling it to maintain performances both remotely and in-person. This financial stability paved the way for Seattle Symphony Live (SS+), an innovative streaming service that expanded accessibility to global audiences while sustaining vital revenue streams.
Dr. Thiagarajan also guided the organization through pivotal moments including the historic appointment of Xian Zhang, who is set to begin her five-year term in the 2025/2026 season. Under his leadership, the Symphony launched the Community Stages Fund, providing local artists and organizations with access to Benaroya Hall’s spaces to present their art and connect with their community. Additionally, the Symphony’s expanded partnerships with local music education organizations, reinforcing its commitment to fostering musical education and accessibility. These accomplishments reflect the Symphony’s dedication to artistic excellence, resilience and meaningful engagement with the community.
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