New Jersey Symphony Orchestra President & CEO Resigns
By Francisco SalazarPresident & CEO Gabriel van Aalst has resigned from the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.
Van Aalst announced his resignation on June 18 and the Board of Trustees of the New Jersey Symphony accepted the resignation. Van Aalst will become the President & CEO of Dayton Live, the primary host and presenter for performing arts in Miami Valley, Ohio.
The former president first joined the New Jersey Symphony in October of 2016 and, in his eight seasons led the organization in many positive directions which further advanced its mission and impact to New Jersey communities throughout the state. Van Aalst’s tenure with the New Jersey Symphony will conclude in September and he will provide a smooth transition while working with the board of trustees as it hires a new President & CEO.
In the meantime, Craig Silliman, Co-Chair of the New Jersey Symphony Board of Trustees and President of Verizon Global Services, will serve as Interim President & CEO for the New Jersey Symphony.
In a statement, Van Aalst said, “It has been a joy to lead the New Jersey Symphony over the last eight years. Sharing this journey with Xian has been a tremendous opportunity that I will continue to look back on with great fondness. I want to thank everyone at the Symphony, from the musicians, staff and board of trustees, as well as our wonderful donors and patrons, for helping to forge a new future for the organization. I am very fortunate to have been a vital part of such a vibrant community as we celebrated the orchestra’s Centennial and pathed a vision for the 21st century orchestra. I have incredible memories of attending Symphony concerts and many other events throughout the Garden State, as well as my own personal enrichment in seeing the important work the Symphony does in its expansive education programs and through its impactful community partner programs in schools, hospitals, community centers and more.”