SEATTLE SYMPHONY ANNOUNCES DEPARTURE OF PRESIDENT & CEO KRISHNA THIAGARAJAN

SEATTLE SYMPHONY BOARD TO LAUNCH SEARCH FOR SUCCESSOR 

Seattle, WA — The Seattle Symphony and Benaroya Hall today announced that Dr. Krishna Thiagarajan, President & CEO, will resign after six and a half years of dedicated service to the organization. His last day will be April 30, 2025.   

"It’s been a deeply fulfilling experience to work with all the talented and dedicated people at the Seattle Symphony, Benaroya Hall and its foundation,” stated Dr. Thiagarajan. “Leading the organization through COVID, the rebuilding of audiences and the historic appointment of Xian Zhang as the first female and woman of color Music Director have been some of the highlights of my time here.”   

“Equality and diversity have always been the core values guiding my work over these last six plus years, which has led to a substantial broadening of the programming presented by both the Symphony and Benaroya Hall,” Dr. Thiagarajan continued. “I plan to continue this work and dedicate this next phase of my career to fostering a better understanding of true cultural diversity, and how the creative sector can enhance our lives and create a better future for all.”  

During Dr. Thiagarajan’s tenure, the Seattle Symphony and Benaroya Hall overcame challenges and strengthened their legacies and community impact. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Symphony secured substantial private, government and grant recovery funding, enabling it to maintain performances both remotely and in-person. This financial stability paved the way for Seattle Symphony Live (SS+), an innovative streaming service that expanded accessibility to global audiences while sustaining vital revenue streams.   

Dr. Thiagarajan also guided the organization through pivotal moments including the historic appointment of Xian Zhang, who is set to begin her five-year term in the 2025/2026 season. Under his leadership, the Symphony launched the Community Stages Fund, providing local artists and organizations with access to Benaroya Hall’s spaces to present their art and connect with their community. Additionally, the Symphony’s expanded partnerships with local music education organizations, reinforcing its commitment to fostering musical education and accessibility. These accomplishments reflect the Symphony’s dedication to artistic excellence, resilience and meaningful engagement with the community.  

“Krishna has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of the organization, and his contributions are deeply appreciated," said Jon Rosen, Seattle Symphony Board Chair. “His leadership, expertise, and passion for music have strengthened the Symphony and broadened our reach. We wish Krishna all the best in his next chapter and are grateful for his dedication, passion and unwavering commitment to the Symphony, Benaroya Hall, and the Seattle cultural community.”  

The Symphony board of directors is forming a search committee to launch an international search for Dr. Thiagarajan’s successor. While the Seattle Symphony begins its search for its next President & CEO, Maria Yang, Chief Development and Project Officer, will serve as Acting CEO to ensure a smooth transition. 

SEATTLE SYMPHONY 

The Seattle Symphony unleashes the power of music, brings people together and lifts the human spirit. Recognized as one of the “most vital American orchestras” (NPR), the Seattle Symphony is internationally acclaimed for its inventive programming, community-minded initiatives and superb recordings on the Seattle Symphony Media label. With a strong commitment to new music and a legacy of over 150 recordings, the orchestra has won five Grammy Awards, 27 Grammy nominations, two Emmy Awards and was named Gramophone’s 2018 Orchestra of the Year. The Symphony performs in Benaroya Hall in the heart of downtown Seattle from September through July, reaching over 750,000 people annually through live performances and radio broadcasts, and through the Seattle Symphony+ streaming service, the orchestra’s concerts reach audiences at home and around the world. 

BENAROYA HALL

Benaroya Hall, the home of the Seattle Symphony, is located in downtown Seattle. Opened in 1998, Benaroya Hall is the most-visited performing arts venue in Seattle. It has received numerous awards, including a 2001 American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Honor Award for outstanding architecture. Benaroya Hall has three versatile performance venues, the S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium, the Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall and Octave 9: Raisbeck Music Center, all renowned for their pristine acoustics, luxurious design and prime location. For additional information, including rental information, event listings and public tour schedules, please visit benaroyahall.org.  

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