FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HAMILTON, ON – The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra’s Board of Directors announces that Executive Director Diana Weir will be leaving the organization in January to move into the newly created role of Vice President, Strategic Partnerships at the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
“Diana’s contribution to the HPO in ensuring the organization’s financial stability while also supporting the exquisite artistic vision of Music Director Gemma New has resulted in record growth and revenues over the past few seasons,” said Board Chair Anne Tennier. “While the organization will greatly miss Diana, we are thrilled for her that her experience with the HPO over the last seven years has earned her this extraordinary opportunity with the TSO.”
Diana began her professional relationship at the HPO in February 2013 and was appointed Executive Director in December 2016. Under her leadership, the HPO has successfully undertaken ambitious mainstage programming, increased the range of full orchestral services, initiated and grown unprecedented community engagement and outreach, implemented a new strategic plan and reported five consecutive years of surpluses. In 2019, the HPO’s budget exceeded $2M for the first time since 1995 and in January of this year, Diana was awarded the John Hobday Award for Arts Management from the Canada Council.
Diana’s last day with the HPO will be the Triumphant Tchaikovsky mainstage concert on January 18, 2020. She will begin her role at the TSO on February 3, 2020.
The HPO is very pleased to welcome Kim Varian, its former Director of Communications and Development, as Interim Executive Director, effective January 6, 2020. “We’re confident that Kim’s three years as part of the HPO’s senior management team will well equip her to seamlessly lead it through the remainder of its exciting and ambitious 19-20 Season,” Tennier said.
The Board of Directors expects to initiate the search for a permanent Executive Director in the new year.