The Honolulu Symphony Orchestra's extreme makeover continues today with the scheduled announcement that Carolyn Berry will not continue as chairwoman of the orchestra's board of directors.

Berry, a key figure in an apparent power struggle that culminated with the resignations of orchestra President Stephen Bloom and three prominent board members earlier this year, will take on a new position as "chairman laureate" and will help raise money as a member of the Honolulu Symphony Foundation board. Berry's term as chairwoman officially ended June 30.

"As anyone who knows me is aware, this has truly been a labor of love, and I will continue to support the mission of sharing music with the entire Hawaiian community," Berry said in a statement released yesterday.

Judy Perry, former managing director of the Pacific islands for Merrill Lynch, has been elected to succeed Berry.

Also, Peter Shaindlin, chief operating officer of Halekulani Corp., has been elected second vice-chairman and chairman-elect. Sharon McPhee will remain as first vice-chairwoman.

The moves, which will be announced after tonight's annual board meeting, are the latest in a year of major upheaval for the orchestra's leadership.

Bloom, a close friend of Berry, resigned as president in April to pursue other interests. His departure followed the appointment of board member Vicky Cayetano as chief executive officer.

Cayetano herself resigned soon after, citing a conflict with Berry. That was followed by the resignations of former Bank of Hawai'i CEO Mike O'Neill and The Honolulu Advertiser president and publisher Mike Fisch from the board.

Gideon Toeplitz, vice president of the Arts Consulting Group and the former executive vice president and managing director of the Pittsburgh Symphony, took over as interim president and CEO last month.

"We see a brilliant future ahead despite the recent short-term challenges we have faced," Perry said in a statement. "I will work with Gideon Toeplitz to improve our symphony 'ohana in all areas — music, staffing and board responsibilities. I would like to see improved communication, better musician benefits, a broader and larger audience, a more diversified board, a strong endowment and strong management."

In addition to looking for a permanent president and CEO, the orchestra is midway through a projected two-year search for a new musical director.

Samuel Wong resigned from the position last year to spend more time with his family in New York and to pursue musical interests on the Mainland and in Europe.

The orchestra also is looking to replace vice president of operations Jim Mancuso, who leaves this month to become manager of pops and special events for the Nashville, Tenn., Symphony Orchestra.