Kim Noltemy, Orchestra Veteran, Is Tapped to Lead L.A. Philharmonic

Published May 1, 2024Updated May 6, 2024

The Los Angeles Philharmonic's history of inventive programming and strong finances has made it the envy of orchestras around the United States.

But recently, the ensemble has been going through a period of abrupt change. Chad Smith, the ensemble's former president and chief executive, left last year to run the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Gustavo Dudamel, its celebrated music and artistic director, will depart for the New York Philharmonic in 2026.

On Wednesday, though, the orchestra said it had found a leader who can help put it back on track. Kim Noltemy, a veteran administrator, will become the Los Angeles Philharmonic's next president and chief executive, starting in July.

Noltemy, 55, who has led the Dallas Symphony Orchestra since 2018, said that she hoped to build on the Philharmonic's legacy of innovation.

"The potential for the Los Angeles Philharmonic to grow, thrive and make a huge impact in changing how people think about music and how music affects their lives is enormous," she said in an interview.

Thomas L. Beckmen, the chairman of the Philharmonic's board of directors, said that Noltemy rose to the top of the list of candidates because of her experience. Before Dallas, she held leadership posts at the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

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