London Symphony Orchestra names replacement for managing director of two decades

JOHN HARTE, chief executive of Aurora Orchestra since 2009, is to take over as managing director at London Symphony Orchestra (LSO).

He replaces Dame KATHRYN MCDOWELL, who steps down in July this year after 20 years at the helm of the organisation.

Harte, a former choral scholar at the University of Cambridge, has worked with LSO previously when Aurora operated as one of its associate orchestras, between 2010 and 2015.

He will begin at LSO in August 2026. His appointment follows a “thorough global search”, according to LSO chair SARAH QUINN.

“John has led outstanding work at Aurora Orchestra, which has become a significant force in UK music in an impressively short period of time,” Quinn said.

“Our relationship with John began in 2010, when Aurora Orchestra was an associate orchestra at LSO St Luke’s until 2015, and we very much look forward to working together once again.”

Harte said: “I am thrilled to be joining the LSO, a company whose artistic vibrancy, rich history, and extraordinary social impact I’ve long admired.

“It’s a privilege to be appointed to the managing director role at a moment of such artistic and organisational strength, and I look forward to working closely with players, staff, board and collaborators to take the orchestra to still greater heights in the coming years.”