Kim Noltemy, the president and CEO of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, is celebrating five years with the organization.
Noltemy has led DSO through many changes since she took up her position in 2018. Under her leadership, the organization implemented the Young Musicians education program, which provides children in southern Dallas with free instruments and lessons.
Additionally, the organization began the Women in Classical Music program, which now has led to an annual symposium for women in classical music.
In 2018, the organization was also tasked with getting a new music director, and Fabio Luisi took over that role in June.
In addition to implementing new initiatives, Noltemy dealt with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic just a little over two years into her role as CEO and president.
Despite the difficulties the pandemic shutdowns presented, Noltemy said it also helped the staff bond.
“We each have a role we play to bring joy to people through great music, and we all understand the transformational power of music to inspire, comfort and create community,” she told The Dallas Morning News. “As difficult as the pandemic was, I think it brought the management team and the musicians closer together.”
Noltemy told the DMN that ticket sales are just starting to approach pre-pandemic levels. She expressed her relief with the situation but acknowledged that the orchestra still has a long way to go.
“We have been very successful at attracting new attendees, but now we need to convince them to come multiple times per year,” she told the publication.
Brian Perry, who plays double bass for DSO, told The Dallas Express that Noltemy has been an “excellent leader.”
He added that her leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic was unparalleled.
“Her ability to find ways to safely keep the orchestra playing through guidance from our board and UT Southwestern and continue our employment during incredibly challenging times have been both moving and inspirational to my colleagues here and throughout the country,” Perry said.
He also said Noltemy was “one of the most available and present CEOs” he had worked for.
In her interview with the DMN, Noltemy teased that DSO will introduce three new initiatives in the coming years that will be announced soon.
“We are very fortunate to have such a hard working and visionary leader like Kim Noltemy leading us now and hopefully many years to come,” Perry told the DMN.
The next event put on by DSO is The Rite of Spring from April 20-22.