St Louis Symphony Orchestra appoints chief operating officer

St Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) has announced the appointment of Paul Pietrowski to the role of chief operating officer. Pietrowski succeeds Erik Finley, who stepped down from the position of vice president and general manager in January, having held the role since 2017.

The orchestra’s president and CEO Marie-Hélène Bernard announced the appointment last week. Effective from this month, Pietrowski will take on the newly created title, overseeing the orchestra’s entire artistic and orchestral operations portfolio. As COO, Pietrowski will work closely with Bernard as well as with SLSO music director Stéphane Denève and the orchestra’s conducting team and two choruses.

Pietrowski (above) and his family will move to St Louis from Cincinnati

Bernard said, ‘Paul brings exceptional leadership and impressive experience in artistic planning, orchestra management and concert production. His deep understanding of our industry combined with his prior career as music educator makes him an ideal partner to me and our team to advance the mission of the SLSO. Paul was our search committee’s unanimous choice, and we know he will forge a strong partnership with our musicians as we embark on a new phase of our history with the renovation and expansion of Powell Hall.’

Pietrowski and his family will move to St Louis from Cincinnati after six years with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra where Pietrowski managed the orchestra, production, and operations departments. His experience also includes a period as personnel and operations manager for the Richmond Symphony Orchestra.

The second-oldest orchestra in the country, the SLSO marked its 143rd year with the 2022/2023 season. The orchestra has issued more than 144,000 tickets with primary residencies at the Stifel Theatre and the University of Missouri-St Louis’ Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center while the orchestra’s home, Powell Hall, undergoes renovation and expansion.

Pietrowski said: ‘I am impressed with the orchestra’s remarkable artistic talent, innovative programming, unique creative collaborations, and strong community engagement. I look forward to partnering with Marie-Hélène, music director Stéphane Denève, the musicians, and the SLSO team to create extraordinary concert experiences and continue making music accessible for the St Louis community.’