Carnegie Hall has appointed Clive Gillinson as executive and artistic director, effective July 1, 2005. Gillinson, who has been with the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) for 34 years, will replace the late Robert Harth, who died suddenly in January.
Gillinson served as the LSO’s managing director for the past 20 years. Before that, he played as a cellist in the musician-owned and –operated orchestra for 14 years. He will stay at the LSO through the end of its centenary celebration in June 2005. In the meantime, Klaus Jacobs, Carnegie Hall’s vice chairman and treasurer, will continue to serve as acting executive director.
The 58-year-old Gillinson was born in Bangalore, India. He studied mathematics at London University and earned a recital diploma from the Royal Academy of Music, where he also won the school’s top prize for cellists. He joined the LSO’s cello section in 1970 and was elected to the LSO’s board of directors in 1976. He also served as the orchestra’s financial director. In 1984, he was invited by the LSO board to assume the title of managing director. In 1999, he was awarded the CBE, Commander of the British Empire.
His appointment opens a new chapter for Carnegie Hall, which in recent years has weathered a quick succession of leaders: Harth, who had served less than three years; Franz Xaver Ohnesorg, whose acrimonious term lasted less than a year; and the late Judith Arron, who passed away in 1998.
