Toronto native Gary Hanson (left) most recently served as interim president of the Cleveland Institute of Music.DON EMMERT/AFP / Getty Images
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra named arts-world veteran Gary Hanson as interim CEO on Thursday after months of turbulence at the top.
"I am deeply honoured to accept this position and feel privileged that I can play a role in the future success of my hometown orchestra," Mr. Hanson said in a release. "I look forward very much to working with the outstanding musicians and staff of the Toronto Symphony."
Mr. Hanson, who retired last year after a 12-year stint as the chief executive of the Cleveland Orchestra, most recently served as interim president of the Cleveland Institute of Music. The Toronto native is widely lauded for spearheading the extensive renovation of Cleveland's Severance Hall, increasing attendance and boosting fundraising during a period of recession, and developing long-term international relationships for the orchestra.
"Gary has an excellent track record, profound expertise and broad experience – artistically and operationally," Richard Phillips, chair of the TSO board of directors, said in an interview. "We think that he is ideal to help us search for the TSO's next music director, and also as we want to build out more into our community, build on our artistic expertise and excellence, grow our fundraising, continue the strong financial results that we've had."
The institution has enjoyed remarkable financial success in the past three years with an operating surplus and finished the 2015/2016 season with record-high donations and attendance. But the appointment comes amid a period of uncertainty at the TSO. Former CEO Jeff Melanson stepped down in March in the wake of allegations of personal and professional impropriety, which surfaced during an acrimonious legal battle with his estranged wife, billionaire heiress Eleanor McCain.
An application filed in court by Ms. McCain this year, seeking to annul their brief marriage, accused Mr. Melanson of behind-the-scenes misconduct at three major arts organizations where he has worked in the past decade – the National Ballet School, the Banff Centre and the TSO.
Mr. Melanson has repeatedly denied the claims, calling them "grossly inaccurate" and "incredibly undignified." His resignation from the TSO came merely 18 months into what was expected to be a five-year mandate.
For his part, Mr. Hanson will take over from Sonia Baxendale, who stepped off the board on short notice to lead the TSO after Mr. Melanson's high-profile departure.
"I can't say enough about all of what Sonia has achieved a mere five months in the role. It's been phenomenal," Mr. Phillips said. "The staff feels that we have positive momentum and are excited to work with Gary Hanson as we go forward. The organization, internally, is feeling very positive right now."
While the board seeks a more permanent CEO, Mr. Hanson will also lead a quest to replace music director and lead conductor Peter Oundjian, who has held the post since 2004 and served as the TSO's public face. Mr. Oundjianm, who is expected to step down in 2018, will play a vital role in the symphony's celebrations of Canada's 150th and other programming as part of its coming season.
A trained bass player, Mr. Hanson joined the Cleveland Orchestra in 1988 as director of marketing and public relations. He served in that capacity for nine years, before moving to a role as associate executive director, and subsequently became executive director in 2004.
Mr. Hanson will begin his term at the TSO on Sept. 26.