“Would you care for a cigar?” I said: “thank you, but I don´t smoke”. He sighed and went on: “Alright, tell me your brilliant life story!”. I replied, well, it´s not brilliant, but here is the story. He listened to me for about four minutes, then stood up and said: “You are going to have a magnificently successful career. Thank you very much. Good bye.” I went back, called the chairman and said:”I don´t think this is going to work….” It was a very painful moment. I tell people this story because I remember how hurtful it was, but how at the same time it made me even more determined. And before long, I became Executive Director at the New York Philharmonic. Deborah Borda has extended the artistic, commercial, and technological boundaries of what an arts organization can be in the 21st century through creative leadership, commitment to innovation, and progressive vision. As President and CEO of the New York Philharmonic, she revitalized the institution, working with NY Phil and Lincoln Center leadership to transform David Geffen Hall, deepening connections with the community through initiatives such as NY Phil Bandwagon during the COVID-19 pandemic, and engaging Gustavo Dudamel as the Orchestra’s next Music and Artistic Director. Throughout her career, Borda has advanced how arts organizations serve their communities through her leadership of ensembles including the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and especially the Los Angeles Philharmonic, where she worked on key projects such as the building of Walt Disney Concert Hall, the total renovation of Hollywood Bowl, and the creation of community engagement programs including the nationally recognized Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA).
Deborah Borda with Gustavo Dudamel
Conducting Competitions
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