Vulgamore to depart the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

After 16 groundbreaking years at the helm of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, President and Chief Executive Officer Allison Vulgamore informed the ASO Board of Directors that she would not be renewing her contract when it expires in July 2010.

“This was an extraordinarily difficult decision for me,” Vulgamore said at the Sept. 21 board meeting. “I have a deep and abiding affection and respect for my colleagues both onstage and off. We have created great musical and institutional accomplishments together. This is a personal decision, after 16 years, to launch a new chapter in my life.”

The board asked Vulgamore to reconsider her decision, but was unsuccessful. “Allison has played a pivotal role in building the Atlanta Symphony into one of America’s preeminent orchestras and the premier cultural institution in the southeastern United States,” ASO Board Chairman Ben Johnson said. “She has skillfully guided us through times of crisis and to expanded audiences, venues and creative excellence. We look forward to finding appropriate ways to celebrate her time and achievements with us over the coming weeks and months.”

Under Vulgamore’s leadership, the ASO has doubled its endowment, increased its budget from $15.8 to $45.6 million, opened the 12,000-seat Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park in Alpharetta, raised $114 million in pledges for a new Symphony Hall and increased ASO music education programs for African-American and Latino student-musicians. Perhaps one of her greatest contributions, though, was the formation of the Creative Partnership, established in 2001 between the ASO, Music Director Robert Spano and Principal Guest Conductor Donald Runnicles. The partnership has led to long-term relationships with a new generation of composers, new concert formats for audiences, annual recordings and outstanding artistic merit, which has garnered the ASO international invitations to perform as well as Grammy awards.

Spano said, “In the world of symphonic music, Allison Vulgamore is a giant. During her tenure, her tireless efforts on behalf of the ASO have raised it to new heights. She has been a marvelous colleague, and I will sorely miss her.”

Runnicles added, “It is simply inconceivable for me that Allison will no longer be at the helm of this wonderful organization. It has been my privilege and honor to work and to dream with this remarkable woman — with my creative partner.”

Vulgamore will begin initial work as president of the fiscally troubled Philadelphia Orchestra early next year, helping them find a music director, plan budgets and hire for open positions. A search committee is being established to identify a successor for the ASO.