MN Orchestra names Dallas Symphony exec as president

The Minnesota Orchestra on Tuesday named Michelle Miller Burns as its next President and CEO. Burns, currently executive vice president for institutional advancement and chief operating officer of the Dallas Symphony, said she was attracted to the job for a number of reasons, including the Orchestra's artistic excellence and its collaborative approach.

"The idea that constituents from throughout the organization work together to make decisions, and to plan and envision the future of the orchestra is really appealing to me," said Burns.

Burns succeeds Kevin Smith, who retires at the end of August. She says she looks forward to consulting with the Orchestra's musicians, board, staff and the community about taking the organization forward. However, she said all orchestras are facing similar challenges such as fundraising.

The search committee praised Burns for her strategic business sense, her fundraising experience, and her love of music. She becomes only the second woman to serve as Minnesota Orchestra President.

She will join the Orchestra for its August tour of South Africa, and will officially begin her new job Sept. 1.