Two arts leaders whose careers have been distinguished by a commitment to innovation and a progressive approach to the role of the orchestra in the 21st century come together for a conversation about what happens behind the scenes to ensure success in the orchestra world.

After 17 years as president and CEO of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Deborah Borda recently returned to the New York Philharmonic, where she had served as executive director for 10 years, to fill the vacancy created by Matthew VanBesien, who left last spring to assume the leadership of UMS. Borda’s orchestra career also includes positions as general manager of the San Francisco Symphony and president of both the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

After a professional career as a French horn player, Matthew VanBesien served in top leadership roles with the Houston Symphony Orchestra, the Melbourne (Australia) Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. In January 2017, he was named the seventh president of the University Musical Society, a position that he assumed in July.