In a few sentences, what does impact mean in the context of your work?
It is interesting to reflect on impact at this current moment in time. The world feels more volatile than ever, with geopolitical conflict and political tension dominating news, social media, and everyday conversation. To me, the impact of the Houston Symphony is felt most powerfully in our concert hall, when thousands gather and set aside the noise of the outside world to experience the miraculous sound of a live symphony orchestra. Whether someone has been attending for decades or has never experienced a symphony orchestra live, our concerts strive to meet people where they are and move them on their own terms. It is, at once, a shared and wholly personal experience.
What aspect of your work process do you focus on most day-to-day, and why?
I spend a significant amount of time thinking and talking about why people should care about the work we do. There are countless reasons why someone might attend the Houston Symphony and choose to support us philanthropically. They could be passionate about classical music, care about music education for our young people, want to ensure that Houston has a thriving arts and cultural scene to enhance its reputation as a leading international city, or just want the joy of connecting with like-minded people at our concerts and events. Getting to know so many people in our community and trying to understand what they care about and what motivates them is one of the most fascinating and rewarding aspects of my work.
Is there an innovation, new initiative, or new approach that has impacted, enhanced, or otherwise expanded/improved your organization’s work in recent years?
The Houston Symphony’s home, Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, has undergone a multi-year renovation which has completely transformed the acoustics and the patron experience. It is noteworthy how many patrons have commented on how experiencing the Houston Symphony in the “new” hall is immensely more gratifying and enjoyable than in the past. Likewise, our musicians report to me almost daily how much improved the acoustics are on stage, which allows them to hear their colleagues better, blend, and enjoy an even richer experience on stage.
How do you balance mission-driven work with the need for financial sustainability?
“Balance” suggests that mission and financial sustainability are working against one another. To me, however, it is by focusing on the mission that we achieve financial sustainability. It is all about the music. When we put on performances at the highest level, when we produce education and community programs that impact thousands of young people across our city, we are living our mission. And inviting the community to invest in that mission is what leads to financial sustainability.
In what ways do you see the role of arts leaders transforming in the years ahead?
Being an arts leader will always involve balancing the rapid changes shaping our society with a commitment to an art form that has endured for centuries. This push and pull between past and future is where so much of our opportunity lies. Looking ahead, leaders will need to become even more adept at innovating, adapting, and welcoming new ideas while fighting to preserve the artistic core that defines our work.
About Gary Ginstling | Executive Director and CEO
Gary Ginstling is Executive Director and CEO of the Houston Symphony. He previously served as President and CEO of the New York Philharmonic, where he secured a historic $40 million endowment gift, and as Executive Director of the National Symphony Orchestra, where he launched Gianandrea Noseda’s acclaimed tenure and drove major increases in ticket sales and fundraising, earning a 2023 Gramophone Orchestra of the Year nomination. Earlier, as CEO of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, he oversaw significant financial growth, following leadership roles at The Cleveland Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, and Berkeley Symphony. A Juilliard-trained clarinetist with degrees from Yale and UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, Ginstling began his career in product marketing at Sun Microsystems and today serves on several boards supporting American and international music institutions.
About Houston Symphony
Under the leadership of Music Director Juraj Valčuha, the Grammy Award-winning Houston Symphony continues to inspire and engage diverse audiences in Houston and beyond with exceptional musical performances and enduring community impact. Now in its second century as one of America’s premier orchestras, the Houston Symphony is one of the oldest and largest performing arts organizations in Texas, presenting over 130 concerts each year and serving as a cultural cornerstone of the region. Its reach extends far beyond the concert hall, delivering more than 600 performances annually at schools, community centers, hospitals, and other venues, engaging over 400,000 people throughout Greater Houston each year.
