The League of American Orchestras presented Peter T. Kjome, president and CEO of the Grand Rapids Symphony, with the Helen M. Thompson Award today at its 66th National Conference in Minneapolis. The award recognizes Kjome’s dynamic leadership of the Grand Rapids Symphony. An alumnus of the League of American Orchestra’s Essentials of Orchestra Management program, Kjome has led the successful efforts of the GRS board, musicians, staff, and community leaders to sustain the orchestra’s broad range of performances and educational programs even though it was necessary to make substantial cuts in expenses to meet budgetary goals. The orchestra ended its 2009-10 season with a $66,000 surplus for the year, a sharp turnaround from a $493,000 shortfall the previous year.
The Helen M. Thompson Award was created in 1981 to celebrate the life and work of Helen M. Thompson, who dramatically advanced and promoted the cause of the symphony orchestra in the United States. Beginning in 1943, her 27 years of inspired leadership and service to the League encouraged smaller budget orchestras to develop high standards and to serve their communities well. The award is given particularly to recognize her support and encouragement of managers and music directors early in their careers. Eligible nominees must hold the top managerial or music director position at a League of American Orchestras member orchestra with no more than 5 years combined experience in a top position. A panel of music professionals selects the winner.
Peter T. Kjome
Peter Kjome returned to the Grand Rapids Symphony as president and CEO in 2008, bringing with him broad experience in both business and music. He previously worked for 3M Company in St. Paul, Minnesota. During his eight years at 3M, Kjome served in a variety of capacities ranging from strategic planning to general management. He led teams in several business segments, and he also led projects generating substantive change and results in the company’s Six Sigma program. Kjome also served on the Arts Advisory Committee of the 3M Foundation. Before returning to Grand Rapids, he directed strategic planning for the 3M Consumer & Office Business.
Kjome received his master’s degree in business administration from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Prior to that, Kjome was a member of the Grand Rapids Symphony, serving as principal oboe for six years. He also performed with other orchestras including The Cleveland Orchestra and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Kjome received a bachelor’s degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music and is an alumnus of the League of American Orchestra’s Essentials of Orchestra Management program.
League of American Orchestras
The League of American Orchestras leads, supports, and champions America’s orchestras and the vitality of the music they perform. Its diverse membership of nearly 900 orchestras across North America runs the gamut from world-renowned symphonies to community groups, from summer festivals to student and youth ensembles. The only national organization dedicated solely to the orchestral experience, the League is a nexus of knowledge and innovation, advocacy, and leadership advancement for managers, musicians, volunteers, and boards. Its conferences and events, award-winning Symphony magazine, website, and other publications inform music lovers around the world about orchestral activity and developments. Founded in 1942 and chartered by Congress in 1962, the League links a national network of thousands of instrumentalists, conductors, managers and administrators, board members, volunteers, and business partners. Visit americanorchestras.org to learn more.
These concerts are made possible with support from the Michigan Council of Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
Contact:
John T. Bence, Director of Public Relations
League of American Orchestras
646.822.4077/phone
jbence@americanorchestra.org