The London Philharmonic Orchestra today announces that Chief Executive David Burke will
step down at the end of 2026 after 17 years with the Orchestra, including six years as Chief
Executive and 11 years as General Manager.
During David Burke’s tenure, the Orchestra evolved significantly artistically, digitally and
socially, while continuing to maintain the highest artistic standards. Alongside ambitious
programming and artistic collaboration, it broadened the ways audiences and communities
connect with orchestral music through digital innovation, long-term community partnerships,
and initiatives supporting the next generation of talent on and off the stage.
This approach was underpinned by the positioning of Artistry on Stage: Humanity Beyond
reflecting a belief that orchestras can play an important role not only through performance,
but through the ways they connect with audiences, communities and wider society.
During this period, the Orchestra pioneered new approaches to digital engagement,
particularly during the pandemic, helping it become one of the most followed orchestras in
the world online. It also developed a significant strand of community partnerships rooted in
listening, collaboration and co-creation, while substantially strengthening its financial position
and long-term resilience.
The Orchestra delivered a series of ambitious artistic projects and collaborations during
David Burke’s time with the organisation, including landmark presentations of The Rest Is
Noise and The Ring Cycle; the post-pandemic reopening performance of The Midsummer
Marriage; collaborations with Circa and Southbank Centre on the launch of the first
Multitudes festival; and the Sky Arts documentary series following the Orchestra’s
preparations for Edward Gardner’s opening performance of Mahler’s Resurrection
Symphony.
Over the past 18 months, David Burke has established the foundational pillars to secure the
LPO’s next chapter. This period saw the successful transition of the Orchestra’s artistic
leadership with the onboarding of Jesús Herrera as Artistic Director and the appointment of
acclaimed conductor Paavo Järvi as the new Chief Conductor & Artistic Advisor, alongside
ongoing artistic relationships with Principal Conductor Edward Gardner, Vladimir Jurowski
and Karina Canellakis. Following strategic work with BCG, plans are in place towards the
Orchestra’s centenary in 2032, the Orchestra has expanded its South Coast and community
initiatives, and brand platform work will be launching in the autumn.
Crucially, David Burke has also spearheaded the complex feasibility, site search, and funding
milestones to prepare the Orchestra for a possible future capital campaign. Because these
foundational pieces are now securely in place, this marks a natural and positive moment of
transition for both David Burke and the Orchestra, with the LPO structurally, financially, and
artistically prepared for the years ahead.
Commenting on his decision, David Burke said:
“It has been the honour of my career to serve the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Over the
past 17 years I have had the privilege of working alongside extraordinary musicians,
colleagues, conductors, artists, supporters and Board members in service of this remarkable
institution.
I leave with enormous pride in what we have achieved together — not only artistically, but in
the culture, resilience and sense of purpose we have built as an organisation. I believe
deeply in the importance of orchestras not simply for what they perform, but for their place in
their communities through their ability to connect, inspire and bring people together.
The Orchestra’s future is exceptionally bright, and I know it will continue to thrive in the years
ahead.”
Chair of the Board of Directors, Dr Catherine C. Høgel said:
“David has made an exceptional contribution to the London Philharmonic Orchestra over
nearly two decades of service. His leadership, commitment and humanity have helped
strengthen the Orchestra both creatively and organisationally.
“He leaves the Orchestra in a position of great strength, with a clear sense of identity,
purpose and momentum for the future. We are enormously grateful for his dedication and
loyalty, and we look forward to celebrating his contribution over the coming months.”
President, Mark Vines said:
“The London Philharmonic Orchestra has been extremely fortunate to benefit from David’s
leadership and expertise over the past 17 years. During this time, he has always
demonstrated an instinctive understanding of the Orchestra and its musicians, and of the
deep sense of care and privilege that we all feel to be part of the LPO.
“As Members, we will always be grateful for his unwavering support of our musicians, both
individually and collectively, and in particular the way in which he helped to steer the LPO
and the wider orchestral sector through the challenges and uncertainties of the pandemic.
David is and will remain a valued part of the LPO family, and we wish him the very best for
his future plans.”