Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Southern Opera have announced that John Bartlett will take over the role of joint Chief Executive in the New Year.
Mr Bartlett is the Chief Executive of Pacific Blue. Alongside his business career Mr Bartlett has had a keen interest in and support for the arts. He played in the National Band of New Zealand and was a member of the Skellerup Woolston Brass Band (now Woolston).Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Southern Opera have announced that John Bartlett will take over the role of joint Chief Executive in the New Year.
Mr Bartlett is the Chief Executive of Pacific Blue. Alongside his business career Mr Bartlett has had a keen interest in and support for the arts. He played in the National Band of New Zealand and was a member of the Skellerup Woolston Brass Band (now Woolston).CSO and SO see this appointment as a strong and positive step towards strengthening their artistic association and their joint commercial success.
A memorandum of understanding has been developed in support of combined governance and management whilst retaining two separate performing arts identities. A new joint venture company has been formed and current board members of CSO and SO will become directors. Christchurch businessman Bruce Irvine will be the independent chair of this board during the establishment phase.
The brands of CSO and SO will be retained, as will the two trust boards.
CSO spokesperson Pauline Scanlan and SO spokesperson Christopher Doig say the first tasks for the new Chief Executive will be to engage with CSO and SO sponsors, funders and performers and to develop a strategy in support of their shared goals: long-term sustainability, financial stability, international artistic standards, artistic integrity and audience growth.
"We are delighted to have appointed John to this exciting new role. The combination of his interest in the arts, previous leadership role, and successful commercial experience give us confidence that our shared vision for the orchestra and opera will be achieved."
18/12/08