Royal Scottish National Orchestra appoints new Chief Executive

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) has announced the appointment of Simon Woods as its new Chief Executive.

Mr Woods (41), currently President and Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO) in America, will formally take up the position on 1 August 2005. Prior to this he will spend two weeks with the Orchestra in June 2005 for the RSNO ScottishPower Proms.

Music Director Designate Stéphane Denève, who will assume his post in September 2005 said, “When Simon and I met I was amazed at how his future ideas for the RSNO were so similar to mine. He is forward-thinking and has an infectious passion and energy for music, and I cannot wait to start working with the Orchestra and with Simon.”

RSNO Chairman Tom Thomson said, “Simon’s appointment gives the RSNO the formidable alliance of an outstanding and acclaimed new Music Director in Stéphane Denève driving our artistic policy with a chief executive of the same calibre, energy and vision to run the business. Simon and Stéphane together will put the RSNO firmly on the national and global musical map as one of Scotland’s greatest success stories. Both are outstanding and we welcome them to Scotland.”

“I am thrilled to be joining the RSNO family and the vibrant Scottish arts scene." commented Simon Woods. "This is a great orchestra, and I believe that the musical partnership with its gifted new Music Director Stéphane Denève will be an inspiration to audiences. I look forward to a future of superb artistic achievement and service to the community, as well as working to make the RSNO Scotland's most impressive cultural ambassador to the world.’

Woods succeeds Simon Crookall who left the RSNO in December 2004 to take up the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

Simon Woods, who is British and has a music degree from Cambridge University and a postgraduate diploma in conducting from Guildhall School of Music, London, previously worked from 1988 to 1997 as a record producer for EMI Classics.  In 1997 he moved to Philadelphia, rising to the position of Vice President for Artistic Planning and Operations at The Philadelphia Orchestra before taking over as President and Chief Executive Officer at New Jersey in March 2004.

Graham Berry, Director of the Scottish Arts Council said ‘The Scottish Arts Council welcomes the appointment of Simon Woods as Chief Executive of the RSNO.  The appointment represents a new era for the RSNO and Mr Woods brings a wealth of skills and experience from New Jersey to Scotland.’

Notes to editors

Contact email(s)

Daniel.pollitt@rsno.org.uk

Issued by: RSNO