London Symphony Orchestra appoints John Harte as next managing director

The London Symphony Orchestra has announced the appointment of John Harte as its next managing director. Harte will succeed Dame Kathryn McDowell, who steps down at the end of the current 2025–26 season after two decades in the role.

Harte has been chief executive of the Aurora Orchestra since 2009. Working alongside principal conductor Nicholas Collon and creative director Jane Mitchell, he has overseen the orchestra’s development from a start-up ensemble into a prominent presence on the UK and international music scene, with residencies at London’s Southbank Centre and Kings Place and appearances at the BBC Proms. Aurora’s work during this period has received several international awards, including honours from the Royal Philharmonic Society and Classical NEXT.

Before joining Aurora, Harte worked for the British choral label Collegium and completed doctoral studies in Middle Eastern history at the School of Oriental and African Studies. He studied history at the University of Cambridge, where he was also a choral scholar.

In a statement, Harte said it was “a privilege” to be appointed at a moment of “artistic and organisational strength,” adding that he looked forward to working with the orchestra’s players, staff, board, and partners in the coming years.

Sarah Quinn, chair of the LSO, said the appointment followed a global search and described Harte’s work at Aurora as having made the ensemble “a significant force in UK music in an impressively short period of time.” She also noted the existing relationship between the two organisations, recalling Aurora’s time as an associate orchestra at LSO St Luke’s between 2010 and 2015.

Harte will join a senior leadership team that includes chief conductor Sir Antonio Pappano and conductor emeritus Sir Simon Rattle. Founded in 1904, the London Symphony Orchestra is resident at the Barbican Centre, where it presents around 70 concerts each year, and maintains additional residencies in Paris, Tokyo, and at the Aix-en-Provence Festival.

Harte is due to take up the post in August 2026, following McDowell’s departure at the end of July.