Deborah Borda

Linda and Mitch Hart President and CEO, New York Philharmonic

Speaking at Annual Meeting, Gold Baton Award, and a Conversation with Deborah Borda

Deborah Borda has extended the artistic, commercial, and technological boundaries of what an orchestra can be in the 21st century through creative leadership, commitment to innovation, and progressive vision. Since returning to the New York Philharmonic in 2017 she has introduced a new approach to programming, including focused explorations of issues ranging from immigration and liberation to women’s rights, the latter through Project 19 — the single largest women composers commissioning initiative in history — which has already garnered a Pulitzer Prize in Music. She has revitalized the Orchestra, working with NY Phil and Lincoln Center leadership to transform David Geffen Hall, and engaging Gustavo Dudamel as the Orchestra’s next Music and Artistic Director, to begin in 2026.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic’s success during Deborah Borda’s 17-year tenure was chosen for case studies by Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School. Borda’s accolades include honorary doctorates from The Juilliard School, Curtis Institute of Music, and Manhattan School of Music; election to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences; and chairing the Avery Fisher Artist Program.