Deborah
Borda
USA
Deborah Borda has extended the artistic, commercial, and technological boundaries of what a 21st century orchestra can be through creative leadership, commitment to innovation, and progressive vision. She transformed top orchestras on both American coasts — the New York Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Philharmonic — through the opening of contemporary yet elegant concert halls, introduction of dynamic programming initiatives, and hiring of Gustavo Dudamel as Music and Artistic Director at both orchestras. In 2023 she established BordaArts, a consulting firm dedicated to developing innovative leadership for the future.
When Borda was appointed to the NY Phil in the 1990s she was the first woman to serve as the chief executive of a major American symphony orchestra. Upon returning to New York in 2017 she worked with Philharmonic and Lincoln Center leadership to transform David Geffen Hall, deepened connections with the community, and engaged Dudamel. On deciding to step down as President and CEO, the Orchestra named her its first-ever Executive Advisor, and in September 2025 she was named President Emerita, again making her the first given that title. While at the LA Phil she oversaw the completion of the construction of Walt Disney Hall and the addition of a new shell for the Hollywood Bowl, and appointed Dudamel, collaborating with him to found Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (YOLA). The orchestra’s success during her 17-year tenure was chosen for case studies by Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School.
Deborah Borda was the first arts executive to join Harvard Kennedy School’s Center for Public Leadership as a Hauser Leader-in-Residence. Her accomplishments over her career (including top posts at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra) have been acknowledged through a host of honors, including honorary doctorates from The Juilliard School, Curtis Institute of Music, Manhattan School of Music, and New England Conservatory. Among her many other accolades include being named an Honorary Member of the Philharmonic-Symphony Society of New York; the Gold Baton award — the League of American Orchestras’ highest honor; and election to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. She serves as Chair for the Avery Fisher Artist Program, a judge of the Gustav Mahler Conducting Competition, and chair of the 2025 jury of the International Conducting Competition Rotterdam.