Philip Wilder Leaves NCCO for Chanticleer

I received two press releases simultaneously the other day. Here are the critical sections of each. Let me say that the big surprise, for me, was discovering that Chanticleer is by far the bigger budget organization.

From New Century Chamber Orchestra:

San Francisco, CA – March 2, 2020 – After six years as Executive Director of New Century Chamber Orchestra, Philip Wilder announced to the Orchestra, Board and Staff that he will step down from his position at the conclusion of the 2019-2020 season. In the fall of 2020, Mr. Wilder will assume the role of President & General Director of the GRAMMY Award-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer, where he began his career in music as a member of the ensemble in 1990. “Philip Wilder’s inspired leadership as Executive Director of the New Century Chamber Orchestra has been transformative for the organization,” commented New Century Board President Mark Salkind. “During the past six years, Philip has dramatically expanded the orchestra’s footprint and reach, leading the search that brought the internationally renowned violinist, Daniel Hope, to New Century as Music Director, engaging celebrated guest artists, instituting innovative programming and partnerships, and undertaking the orchestra’s first-ever and enormously successful European tour in 2019. Although he will be greatly missed, we all wish him the greatest success in the next chapter of his career.”  “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as Executive Director of New Century Chamber Orchestra,” remarked Philip Wilder. “The Board of Directors, musicians and staff approach their work with a boldness, generosity, and fearlessness that has allowed me to expand the orchestra’s activities on all fronts. In collaboration with Music Director Daniel Hope, we have broadened the reach of New Century to an international audience, and mounted the most venturesome repertoire in the organization’s history. I look forward to cheering on the orchestra as it continues on this exciting path.”

From Chanticleer:

San Francisco, CA – March 2, 2020 – Long-standing President and General Director of Chanticleer Christine Bullin announced today that she will retire from her position September 1, 2020. Board of Trustees Chair Keith Jantzen announced the appointment of Philip Wilder as the ensemble’s new President and General Director. After six years as Executive Director of New Century Chamber Orchestra, Mr. Wilder makes his Chanticleer return after previously serving as a member of the ensemble, Assistant Music Director, Artistic Administrator and Director of Education from 1990 to 2003. “Over the last two decades, the prominence of this fine organization has continued to expand throughout the world under Christine’s expert leadership, creativity and steadfast commitment,” said Mr. Jantzen. “The entire Board of Trustees, ensemble members and staff would like to express our deepest gratitude for her unwavering loyalty and years of hard work. As we look toward the future, it is with immense pride that we welcome back one of our own family with Philip Wilder ready to lead us into the next phase of evolution and prosperity. In addition to an impressive wealth of experience in arts leadership, management, fundraising and publicity, Philip brings existing knowledge not only of Chanticleer’s operations but the core of what makes this ensemble beloved by audiences all over the world.” “It has been an enormous honor to work alongside the immensely talented artists of Chanticleer, the Board of Trustees and staff,” said Christine Bullin. “The past two decades have taken me all over the country and abroad, watching first-hand as the ensemble has shared its unique artistry with an ever-increasing audience and I will forever cherish these memories. I look forward to taking my place in Chanticleer’s audience, rejoicing in its continued success.”
 Ms. Bullin joined Chanticleer in 1999 and led the organization for 20 seasons. Under her leadership, the ensemble has expanded its touring territory in Europe, Asia, and South America; commissioned and premiered over 20 new works including John Tavener’s Lamentations and Praises; established its Chanticleer Live in Concert recording label releasing more than ten albums; won numerous awards including two GRAMMY awards and Musical America Ensemble of the Year; celebrated its milestone 40^thanniversary season; created education programs that have served thousands of students each year through its Youth Choral Festivals, the Louis A. Botto (LAB Choir) Skills/LAB as well as Chanticleer in Sonoma for adults. Further highlights throughout Ms. Bullin’s tenure include Chanticleer’s continued commitment to recording and performing the music of the South American baroque including a noteworthy appearance at the Festival de los Chiquitos in Bolivia.  Philip Wilder stated, “I am honored to be returning to Chanticleer to assume the role of President & General Director. In 1990, Chanticleer launched my career in music when its Founder Louis Botto and legendary Music Director Joseph Jennings hired me to become part of the ensemble. Over the following 13 years, I had the privilege of serving in both artistic and administrative roles, which have provided the blueprint and inspiration for my 30 years in the classical music industry. In the intervening years, I have watched Chanticleer continue to grow and strengthen as a global force of innovation and artistic excellence. I assume my new role with a deep sense of awe and gratitude for the commitment of the Ensemble, Board of Trustees, and Staff to preserve Chanticleer’s beloved legacy while pushing the boundaries of repertoire and vocal virtuosity.”
With a career spanning over 30 years in the classical music industry, Mr. Wilder leaves his post as Executive Director of New Century Chamber Orchestra after six years of unprecedented growth. During his time, Mr. Wilder increased charitable contributions by 30% and ticket sales by 21% and founded an education outreach initiative entitled “Hall Pass” offering free access to over 1,500 students and at-risk seniors at 31 Bay Area schools and service organizations. Under his leadership, the Orchestra appointed internationally renowned violinist and Deutsche Grammophon recording artist Daniel Hope as the Orchestra’s fourth Music Director, embarked on its debut European tour and commissioned four major new works for string orchestra. Mr Wilder’s  previous positions include Vice President of 21C Media Group, Executive Director of Communications for the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester, and Associate Director of the capital campaign for the Harman Center for the Arts. Over a 13-year period at Chanticleer, Mr. Wilder served as the founding Director of Education, Artistic Administrator and Assistant Music Director, as well as singing as a counter tenor with the ensemble in more than 1,000 concerts around the world. He was also responsible for launching the annual Chanticleer Youth Choral Festival for SF Bay Area high school students and led its workshops and masterclasses nationwide.