Executive Director of The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Peter H. Gistelinck, Announces Resignation

    PHILADELPHIA, PA, March 26, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- After eight successful years with The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Executive Director Peter H. Gistelinck will resign his position at the end of the 2013-2014 season, on May 16, 2014. He leaves his role with the Chamber Orchestra to become Executive Director of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra in Michigan.

The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia has experienced pivotal growth under the leadership of Mr. Gistelinck. During his tenure, among other highlights, the organization has witnessed the hiring of current Music Director Dirk Brosse, partnerships with the prestigious Van Cliburn and Queen Elisabeth Competitions, and an agreement with Naxos making fifteen seasons of MP3s and HD video recordings of Chamber Orchestra concerts available for streaming and download - which also led to a collaboration with Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, allowing hospital patients to stream archived live concert recordings through an interactive patient education system in their rooms.

"On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to extend my gratitude and appreciation for all of Peter's hard work, dedication and exceptional service in his time with us at the Chamber Orchestra," remarked Kenneth M. Jarin, Esq., Chairman of The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia Board of Directors. "His leadership and expertise have brought this organization to new heights, and we will continue to build on what he has done to propel our institution forward. Though we are sad to see him go, Mr. Gistelinck is destined for a great future, and we wish him the best in his journey ahead."

The Chamber Orchestra Board of Directors has established a search committee to conduct a national search for a new Executive Director. Meanwhile, the Board has appointed the Chamber Orchestra's current Director of Orchestra Operations and Artistic Administration, Jeanette Honig Grafman, to assume the post of Interim Executive Director. Ms. Honig was hired by Mr. Gistelinck when he first joined the Chamber Orchestra in 2006, and was selected for the interim position due to her extensive knowledge of and experience with the organization.

"My eight years with the Chamber Orchestra and the relationships I've built here have meant a great deal to me." said Peter H. Gistelinck. "This is, in every way, a first-class organization, with an outstanding maestro, talented musicians, an excellent staff, and a dedicated Board of Directors. I have no doubt that this organization will continue to thrive and extend its musical footprint in Philadelphia and beyond. I am deeply grateful to all my colleagues and to those who have supported the Chamber Orchestra during my time in Philadelphia. I will truly miss living and working in this culturally rich community."

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