Chicago Symphony Orchestra names new president: reports

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association has chosen Jeff Alexander, the president and CEO of the Vancouver Symphony Society, as its next president, the Chicago Tribune is reporting.

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Alexander’s selection is pending a board meeting Wednesday, the story said.

A CSOA spokeswoman would not confirm or comment on the report or even on whether there is a scheduled meeting or planned announcement of a new top executive. Deborah F. Rutter left the president’s post on a high note after 11 years June 30 for the top job at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. where she started Tuesday.

Alexander, a New England Conservatory-trained french horn player, has been the chief executive at Vancouver, Canada’s third-largest orchestra association, since 2000. Prior to that he spent 16 years with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, including 12 as general manager, the number two position there. The CSO’s $74 million annual operating budget is almost six times that of the Western Canadian group. In 2011, the Vancouver group opened a large music school. Education and community outreach have been major emphases at the CSO under Rutter and CSO music director Riccardo Muti.

The Tribune report had no information on when Alexander might start his position if he is voted in. The report was based on unnamed sources.

Contributing: Andrew Patner