Jan. 08--The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association has solidified its top administrative team.
With Jeff Alexander set to take command on Monday as the association's new president, the association announced Thursday that Cristina Rocca will succeed Martha Gilmer as the CSO's vice president of artistic planning, effective March 16.
In her new capacity, Rocca, who has served as artistic director of the French National Orchestra since September 2012, will design and execute artistic plans for the CSO association. Other duties include working with Alexander and music director Riccardo Muti to develop innovative programs, and engaging guest artists for the orchestra and its presenting arm, Symphony Center Presents.
The position of vice president of artistic planning is the only administrative post at the CSO association that is endowed, part of a $1.25 million commitment made in 2013 by longtime orchestra supporters Richard and Mary L. Gray and the Richard and Mary L. Gray Foundation.
Before coming to the French National Orchestra, the Bologna (Italy) born Rocca served as director of artistic planning at the Cleveland Orchestra. She also has been the artistic manager of France's Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra; head of concerts and programming at England's Bournemouth Symphony; and head of artistic planning at the Santa Cecilia National Academy in Italy.
In a statement, Muti said Rocca "is someone I have known well for many years and is a person of great experience and professionalism."
Gilmer left the Chicago Symphony administration in September, after a 35-year association, to begin a three-year contract as chief executive of the San Diego Symphony.
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