The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra has named Tonya McBride Robles to succeed Curt Long as the orchestra’s president and CEO. McBride Robles comes from New England Conservatory, where she oversaw the strategy and execution of music education programming for NEC’s college, adult, summer, and digital learning channels.
But she has plenty of orchestral experience: McBride Robles was the chief operating officer at both the Nashville Symphony and Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. While at the Baltimore Symphony, she was instrumental in getting the orchestra online during the pandemic and in building its digital offerings from scratch. She has held her NEC role since September 2024.
At the RPO, she’ll be charged with continuing its $50 million endowment campaign and ensuring the organization’s overall sustainability.
In a press release, she says, “I’m honored to join the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra at such an exciting moment in its history,” said McBride Robles. “The RPO’s commitment to artistic excellence, education, and community engagement is deeply inspiring. I look forward to partnering with Music Director Andreas Delfs, Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik, the musicians, staff, board, donors, and the Rochester community to build on the orchestra’s remarkable legacy.”
And RPO board chair Diana Clarkson wrote, “Tonya’s combination of operational excellence, artistic understanding, fundraising success, and public-facing leadership experience makes her uniquely qualified to build on the RPO’s strong foundation and guide the organization into its next chapter.”
Be First to Comment