Judy Sirota Rosenthal Photo
Natalie Forbes, who’s served as the New Haven Symphony Orchestra’s executive director for six years, will step down on May 31, the organization announced today.
“I want to explore some other career options,” Forbes said Monday.
Forbes said she wants the orchestra to enjoy a smooth transition when her eventual successor comes aboard.
During Forbes’ tenure, the organization has hosted composers-in-residence Augusta Read Thomas and Jin Hi Kim, appeared in the 2009 feature film Everybody’s Fine starring Robert DeNiro, launched the New Haven Symphony Contemporary Youth Orchestra, and made its first recording in 30 years, among other accomplishments.
“She’s been with the organization for a little over six years and has done a lot of great things,” William Gedge, president of the orchestra’s Board of Directors, said Monday. “We clearly have gained a significant amount from her expertise.”
Gedge said he’s selected about five people from the orchestra’s board to serve on a search committee.
“Our plan,” Gedge said, “is to identify someone, bring them on board so they can work with Natalie a little bit,” and transition without missing a beat into next season.
New Haven Symphony Orchestra Music Director William Boughton was unavailable for comment Monday.