Vancouver Symphony Orchestra president Kelly Tweeddale announces departure for San Francisco Ballet

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      On the heels of last week's announcement that the Vancouver Art Gallery was losing its leader Kathleen Bartels, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra has announced its own president is departing.

      As of September 3, Kelly Tweeddale will become executive director of the San Francisco Ballet. A search process is now underway to replace her.

      The American-born arts administrator came to the VSO from the Seattle Opera in 2015, where she served as executive director. In her role here, Tweeddale also served as VSO School of Music Society president.

      Tweeddale's announcement comes as the VSO’s 100th anniversary season draws to a close. It's been a year with record attendance for the organization, with total audiences expected to surpass 280,000 by the final concerts June 7, 8, and 11. The centenary has also marked the first season with music director Otto Tausk, who replaced Bramwell Tovey.

      In the announcement today, the VSO said Tweeddale will be leaving the orchestra in position of strength, with a string of budget surpluses, a $30 million Endowment and Tomorrow Starts Today Campaign passing the $22 million mark, and a strong subscriber and donor base. She also drove the creation of the VSO’s Women’s Voices initiative and Indigenous Council, and she helped re-establish the VSO's annual free outdoor concert in Vancouver.

      Founded in 1933, the San Francisco Ballet is a big organization with a $50 million budget. Its dance company is accompanied by its own orchestra, and it operates a prestigious school of ballet. It has been led by artistic director and principal choreographer Helgi Tomasson since 1985.

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