Santa Rosa Symphony Announces a New President and CEO J. Andrew Bradford

The Santa Rosa Symphony (SRS) and Corinne Byrd, Chairman of the Board of Directors, are pleased to announce that J. Andrew Bradford has been appointed the orchestra’s next President & CEO, effective July 10, 2023. Bradford will succeed retiring President & CEO Alan Silow, under whose able leadership the organization has strengthened both its fiscal and artistic health over the last 21 years. Bradford brings to the orchestra more than a decade of demonstrated success as a dynamic, collaborative, and innovative nonprofit leader in the performing arts sector.

“I am honored and truly so excited to be joining the Santa Rosa Symphony,” said Bradford. “For so many years, the organization ¾ with its ardent commitment to artistic excellence on stage and wide-ranging educational impact in the community ¾ has been an exemplar of the ideal 21st century symphony orchestra. My admiration for Music Director Francesco Lecce-Chong and the extraordinary musicians could not be greater, and I look forward to working closely with them, the Board, and staff to advance the mission and work of this incredible orchestra across Sonoma County.”

"I am delighted to have Andrew joining our orchestra and bringing his inspiring leadership, knowledge, and optimism to our whole community. We both share not only a passion for creating unforgettable musical experiences, but also a commitment to building connections around an orchestra. I am thrilled to begin our work together as the Santa Rosa Symphony builds on its growing reputation as one of the leading regional orchestras in the country," said Music Director Francesco Lecce-Chong.

“We are incredibly pleased and excited to welcome Andrew to lead the Santa Rosa Symphony Orchestra. His exceptional experience and credentials shone through during a meticulously thorough and extensive months-long search. This is such an exciting time in our orchestra’s history, as we approach our centennial celebration. We believe Andrew’s gifted leadership skills and creativity will serve us well and guide us toward even greater successes,” said Board Chairman Corinne Byrd.

Bradford comes to SRS from Los Angeles Children’s Chorus, where he is currently Executive Director. During his tenure, the Chorus has grown enrollment to a record 440+ choristers, achieved consecutive budget surpluses, and won a GRAMMY Award. Prior to Los Angeles Children’s Chorus, Bradford served as Executive Director of the San Francisco Girls Chorus, Colorado Music Festival & Center for Musical Arts, and Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra in Chicago. He has also worked in fundraising, marketing, and operations for the Kennedy Center, National Symphony Orchestra, Aspen Music Festival, Houston Symphony, and San Francisco Classical Voice.

Originally from New York City, Bradford was trained as a cellist and received his bachelor’s degree from the New England Conservatory of Music. He holds a master’s degree from the University of Michigan, where he was recipient of a graduate fellowship and studied music and management. Bradford is also a graduate of the prestigious Arts Management Fellowship program at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

Bradford is excited to relocate to Sonoma County with his wife MyungJu Yeo, principal flute of the Marin Symphony and Symphony San Jose, and daughter Saemi.