St. Louis Symphony Orchestra names Steven Rosenzweig Chief Financial Officer
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(January 3, 2019, St. Louis, MO) – Today, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra announced the appointment of Steven Rosenzweig, CPA, as its Chief Financial Officer. Rosenzweig succeeds James Garrone, who retires in early 2019 after 15 years with the SLSO.
Marie-Hélène Bernard, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra President and CEO, said, "Steven brings outstanding strategic financial, human resources, technology and facilities management expertise and will be an important partner to me and my executive team as we continue to position the SLSO on a successful trajectory. Everyone involved in the selection process was deeply impressed with his experience and grasp of the SLSO's portfolio, in addition to his strong interpersonal skills and true connection to our mission. I am confident that he will be a great partner as the SLSO enters an exciting era and navigates complex projects ahead. We also congratulate Jim on his retirement and thank him for his impressive years of service. A trusted colleague, Jim's expertise, leadership, and attention to detail steadily guided the SLSO to reach its current institutional health and stability."
Rosenzweig, pictured left, brings more than 20 years of senior strategic financial management experience in both the nonprofit and for-profit fields to the SLSO. Previously, he served as the CFO and Chief Operating Officer of the Jewish Community Center in St. Louis, overseeing the nonprofit's financial, operational, and capital portfolios. During his time at the JCC, Rosenzweig spearheaded the issuance of $45 million of tax-exempt debt and was instrumental in helping the JCC create and execute its financial turnaround. Additionally, while at the JCC he was involved in two strategic plans, a capital campaign, and construction of new facilities. Since 2015, Rosenzweig has served as Chief Financial Officer of a large food service management company and a WiFi security camera company. He also worked as a controller at several for-profit companies in Cleveland and Boston.
Rosenzweig is an adjunct professor at Washington University Brown School of Social Work, teaching financial concepts to graduate students. He also volunteers his expertise as a member of the finance committees of Washington University Hillel and the St. Louis Children's Choirs. He and his wife Avi are parents to three children.
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2018, the SLSO reported its second year in a row of operating surplus. Total operating revenue was $30.9 million, while operating expenses totaled $30.4 million, generating an operating surplus of $490,000.
About the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
Celebrated as one of today's most exciting and enduring orchestras, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is the second-oldest orchestra in the country, marking its 139th year with the 2018/2019 season. Widely considered one of the world's finest, the SLSO maintains its commitment to artistic excellence, educational impact, and community connections – all in service to its mission of enriching lives through the power of music.
In addition to its regular concert performances at Powell Hall, which has been the permanent home of the SLSO for 50 years, the orchestra is an integral part of the diverse and vibrant St. Louis community, presenting free education programs and performances throughout the region each year. It presents St. Louis Symphony Live at the Pulitzer, a four-program series at the Pulitzer Arts Foundation. The SLSO also serves as the resident orchestra for Opera Theatre Saint Louis, with this season marking the 42nd year of their partnership.
The Grammy Award–winning SLSO's impact beyond the St. Louis region is realized through weekly Saturday night concert broadcasts on St. Louis Public Radio, acclaimed recordings, and regular touring activity. A sought-after artistic partner by preeminent musicians and composers from across the globe, as well as by local and national organizations, the SLSO enjoys a long history of robust and enduring artistic collaborations that have developed and deepened over the years.
Today, the SLSO builds on the institution's current momentum on all fronts, including artistic, financial, audience growth, and community impact, and looks toward the future with Stéphane Denève. Denève, who has been a frequent guest conductor with the orchestra since 2003, begins his tenure as Music Director with the 19/20 season, following this season as Music Director Designate. For more information, visit slso.org.
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