On February 16, 2025, Jonathan Martin, the president and chief executive officer of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO), will step down after seven years of leadership that saw the organization accomplish notable artistic and financial milestones. The CSO said last Friday that Robert McGrath will take over as acting President and CEO in his absence. Having worked for the CSO for 13 years in a variety of roles, McGrath is well-positioned to carry on Martin’s legacy, particularly broadening the orchestra’s audience and fostering a creative approach to community involvement.
Under Martin’s direction, the CSO expanded its contribution to the Cincinnati area through new performances and an inclusive approach to community engagement, marking one of the “most artistically dynamic and financially stable periods” in the organization’s history, according to Cincinnati.com. In a statement received by WLWT, Martin went into further detail about his experience, saying, “The seven years of leading the CSO in Cincinnati, a community that loves and nurtures the performing arts, has been unquestionably the highlight of my 45 years in the American orchestra field.” His projects included the creation of CSO Proof, which has investigated novel concert formats, and tactics to assist marginalized people.
Martin said the CSO is in good hands as it prepares to move under McGrath’s leadership, which includes continuing and expanding these initiatives. McGrath’s track record demonstrates this preparedness, as he led the group through the difficult COVID-19 epidemic, implementing tactics like home-streaming initiatives to preserve music while performance venues remained closed. Martin stated, “Robert McGrath has been a key partner of mine and an instrumental force in driving forward our strategic initiatives,” according to Chicago.com.
CSO Board Chair Dianne Rosenberg acknowledged the change in leadership and praised Martin’s dedication to advancing the organization through fresh ideas and audience engagement tactics. During his time there, the endowment increased by more than $100 million, and he oversaw the planning and launch of a progressive music series. For the CSO’s continued development and community impact, McGrath thanked Martin for his guidance and said he is excited to work with stakeholders including the incoming Music Director, Cristian Ma Celaru.As Local12 put it, “It has been an honor to be a part of the forward trajectory of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.” He acknowledged the responsibility and opportunity that lay ahead.
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