London Symphony Orchestra Managing Director Kathryn McDowell. She is facing the camera, smiling, wearing a blue suit jacket

Dame Kathryn McDowell will step down at the end of the 2025/26 season

Photo: London Symphony Orchestra

Changing Faces

Managing director of the LSO to step down

Arts Professional
2 min read

The managing director of the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO), KATHRYN MCDOWELL, will step down in July 2026 after 20 years in the role.

Since joining in 2005, McDowell has helped to grow the LSO’s streaming presence and expanded the ensemble’s record label, LSO Live.

Previously, McDowell worked for organisations such as the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the Association of British Orchestras, and became music director of Arts Council England in the 1990s. She was also made a Dame in King Charles’ 2023 Birthday Honours for services to music.

In a letter to the board and members of the orchestra, McDowell said: “It has been a huge privilege to hold this position for 20 years, and I feel the time is right to hand over to someone who can shape and develop this wonderful orchestra in all its facets for the decades to come, whilst giving me an opportunity to explore other interests.”

Chair of LSO SARAH QUINN said McDowell had been “a transformative force” for LSO.

“Her tireless dedication to nurturing our relationships with our public and private funders and energetic fundraising, including a visionary endowment fund, has ensured the orchestra’s continued stability through difficult years,” she added.