Posted on: Friday, June 3, 2005

Symphony appoints interim president

By Michael Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

The Honolulu Symphony has named Gideon Toeplitz as its interim president and CEO, replacing president Stephen Bloom, who resigned last month.

Toeplitz is a vice president with the Arts Consulting Group and the former executive vice president and managing director of the Pittsburgh Symphony.

With 30 years in the performing arts, Toeplitz is considered an expert in labor relations, artistic planning and funding issues. He brought in the inclusive "Hoshin" style of management to the Pittsburgh Symphony.

Toeplitz steps in at a volatile period for the symphony, whose management has been in question since the resignations of Bloom, CEO nominee Vicky Cayetano and board members Mike O'Neill and Mike Fisch.

"The Honolulu Symphony is honored to have such an accomplished and experienced administrator to guide it through this critical transition period," said Carolyn Berry, symphony chairman of the board. "It is time for us to move forward with positive changes in leadership and vision and Mr. Toeplitz will lead us in this process."

Halekulani chief operating officer Peter Shaindlin, a symphony board member, will head the search committee to find a permanent replacement for Bloom.

Reach Michael Tsai at mtsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2461.