Cape Town Philharmonic appoints Adriaan Fuchs as new CEO, artistic director

The announcement was made by CPO board chairman Derek Auret, who confirmed that Fuchs, currently director of Festivals and Special Projects at Carnegie Hall in New York, was selected from a pool of 169 applicants.

“An extensive international search yielded six interviewees, shortlisted to three finalists,” Auret said. “The board of the CPO unanimously approved the Search Committee’s unanimous recommendation that Fuchs, with his South African and international background, be offered the position.”

He praised Fuchs as “the perfect candidate” to take the orchestra forward, citing his “extensive international network of artists and agents, a track record of innovative and forward-thinking programming, and enormous experience both here and abroad.”

“Fuchs met all the requirements,” Auret added. “What’s more, he is South African with a proven track record both locally and internationally and with an understanding of the complex South African cultural scenario.”

Outgoing CEO Louis Heyneman welcomed the appointment, saying: “I have known Fuchs for the last 20 years and have no doubt his knowledge and international and local experience will ensure a stable, steady and strong path forward.”

Fuchs expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return home and lead the CPO.

“I am immensely honoured to be stepping into the role of CEO and artistic director of the CPO and for the opportunity to help shape the artistic and organisational trajectory of the organisation in the years to come,” he said.

“Under Louis Heyneman’s leadership, the CPO has been a beacon of artistic excellence and a central nexus of the cultural scene in Cape Town. I am grateful to the CPO board and the Search Committee for the confidence and trust they have placed in me to build upon this storied legacy.

“I look forward to working with the board, musicians, staff, donors and all of the orchestra’s stakeholders to ensure a thriving, dynamic, and inclusive organisation — one that will not only embody the power of music and the arts to inspire, connect and transform lives, but that will showcase the very best music and musicians from across South Africa and indeed, the world.”

Fuchs brings more than two decades of experience in artistic planning, fundraising, marketing and strategic leadership. His career spans work with globally renowned institutions including the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra, and Cleveland Orchestra. He has collaborated with acclaimed artists such as María Dueñas, Alexander Malofeev, Jeanine De Bique, Benjamin Appl, Patti LuPone, Ute Lemper and Bernadette Peters, and with leading venues such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim Museum and the Metropolitan Opera.

In addition to his role at Carnegie Hall, Fuchs previously served as director of artistic planning and touring for the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.

He holds an MBA with distinction from the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business, as well as an MPhil in Music Technology and a BMus, both awarded cum laude from Stellenbosch University.

Before relocating to the United States in 2013, Fuchs worked as Fundraiser and Business Development Manager at Cape Town Opera and served as Festival Director of the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival. He also has experience in advertising, broadcasting, streaming, and governance, having served on various boards.

Fuchs will officially assume the new role at the end of the year, following Heyneman’s departure.