Peter H. Gistelinck Named Executive Director

September 14, 2006

The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia Board of Directors announces the recent appointment of Peter H. Gistelinck as the organization's new Executive Director. Mr. Gistelinck was selected for the position following an international search to replace Robert J. Elias, who announced in May 2005 his intention to leave this year to pursue other career opportunities. During his tenure, among other achievements, Mr. Elias successfully led the orchestra's transition from its founder to its current Music Director, Ignat Solzhenitsyn, helped the orchestra increase its ticket revenues by 26%, and led negotiations for the orchestra's first collective bargaining agreement and the renewal of its arrangement with the Kimmel Center, where the orchestra performs its 20 annual subscription concerts.

Mr. Gistelinck began work in his new position on September 7th and is responsible for the overall operation of the organization. "I am very enthusiastic about my appointment and the opportunity to contribute to the continuing success of the organization. Ignat is a wonderful conductor and music director, and a distinguished pianist. We have already begun collaborations and feel very comfortable working as a team. The COP has outstanding musicians and my staff has welcomed me warmly. Also, being a Resident Company of the Kimmel Center, I know that all of these elements combined will lead the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia into a new and very exciting era", said Peter H. Gistelinck.

Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia Board President William H. Roberts, who chaired the Executive Director Search Committee, stated, "The search committee unanimously felt that Peter Gistelinck was the top choice as the new Executive Director for the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. He possesses precisely the stellar management credentials, the depth of knowledge of our repertoire, and the international reach and reputation that the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia needs at this time, as we extend our recognition and standing on the international musical stage under Ignat Solzhenitsyn's artistic guidance. We are delighted to welcome Peter to Philadelphia's rich musical world and hope the community will join us in welcoming him."

"I am delighted to welcome such a top professional to our team, and I look forward greatly to a constructive and fruitful partnership with Peter", remarked Music Director Ignat Solzhenitsyn.

Mr. Gistelinck, a native of Belgium, was formerly the Director of Sales and Marketing and Co-Artistic Director for the Flemish Radio Orchestra and Choir (Vlaams Radio Orkest and Koor or VRO-VRK) in Brussels, Belgium. He was responsible for sales and marketing, image building and brand for the ensemble, including developing strategies for corporate and government sponsorships, public relations, international touring, artistic programming, music publishing and recordings, media management, special projects and fostering relationships with corporations and major donors.

During his tenure, Mr. Gistelinck secured an international recording contract for the Flemish Radio Orchestra with a major classical label with worldwide distribution for 15 CD's over a seven year period and was responsible for transforming the ensemble into one highly sought after by Hollywood producers, directors and composers for movie soundtrack and CD recordings. The orchestra performed the Lord of the Rings Symphony Concert with composer Howard Shore conducting in Antwerp, Belgium with more than 8,000 people in attendance which led to the complete recording of the soundtrack for Martin Scorsese's film The Aviator composed and conducted by Howard Shore which won the 2005 Golden Globe for Best Film Score. Mr. Gistelinck also negotiated contractual arrangements for the orchestra's performances on many CD recordings, including Michel Legrand, Alberto Iglesias, operatic baritone José van Dam, Broadway singer Melissa Errico with Michel Legrand in a Phil Ramone production, and operatic tenor Phillip Webb. Furthermore, Mr. Gistelinck successfully arranged for the Flemish Radio Orchestra to be the official orchestra and choir residence for the upcoming 60th anniversary of UNICEF gala to be held in Brussels in December 2006.

Prior to the Flemish Radio Orchestra, Mr. Gistelinck served as General Manager of Business Affairs for Le Concert Spirituel, an international award winning French Baroque orchestra in Paris, France from 1999-2004, as General Manager for I Fiamminghi Chamber Orchestra in Ghent, Belgium from 1997 to 1999, and as a consultant to wind ensemble I Solisti del Vento. He was Music Education and Publishing Manager for Roland Corporation, Benelux from 1991-1997. He holds a Master's degree in Musicology and Bachelor of Arts degree in History of Arts from State University of Ghent, Belgium. He also attended the Ghent Royal Music Conservatory.

Mr. Gistelinck, also an accomplished music producer, composer and arranger, is the son of Flemish composer Elias Gistelinck and is married to Kim R. Bloom. He speaks Flemish, French, German and English and enjoys French and Italian cuisine, travel and golf.

The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia is a Resident Company of The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and performs ten concert-pairs from September through May in the intimate, 600-seat Perelman Theater. For information and/or to order, please contact The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia Box Office at 215-545-1739 or visit www.chamberorchestra.org.

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