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. She transformed top orchestras on both American coasts—the New York Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Philharmonic—through the opening of contemporary yet elegant concert halls, introduction of dynamic programming initiatives, and the hiring of Gustavo Dudamel as Music and Artistic Director.
Borda’s appointment to the NY Phil in the 1990s marked her as the first woman to serve as the chief executive of a major American symphony orchestra. Upon returning to New York in 2017 she worked with Philharmonic and Lincoln Center leadership to transform David Geffen Hall, deepened connections with the community, and engaged Dudamel as the next Music and Artistic Director. On deciding to step down as President and Executive Director, the Orchestra named her its first-ever Executive Advisor to the President and Board of Directors. While at the LA Phil she oversaw the completion of the construction of Walt Disney Hall, the addition of a new shell for the Hollywood Bowl, and the appointment of music director Gustavo Dudamel. The orchestra’s success during her 17-year tenure was chosen for case studies by Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School.
Deborah Borda’s accomplishments over her career (which also included presiding over the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra) have been acknowledged through a host of honors. She was the first arts executive to join Harvard Kennedy School’s Center for Public Leadership as a Hauser Leader-in-Residence. She has received Honorary Doctor of Music degrees from The Juilliard School (2023), Curtis Institute of Music, Manhattan School of Music, and New England Conservatory. Among her many other accolades include being named an Honorary Member of the Philharmonic-Symphony Society of New York; the Gold Baton award — the League of American Orchestras’ highest honor; and election to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. She serves as Chair for the Avery Fisher Artist Program, a judge of the Gustav Mahler Conducting Competition, and on Oxford University’s Humanities Cultural Programme Advisory Council.