Illinois Philharmonic Splits Executive Director Duties

Two women have launched a new duet with the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra.

As scholars in orchestra operations, Donica Van Voorhees, of Flossmoor, and Linda Veleckis Nussbaum, of Chicago, are the new Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra’s co-executive directors. The women entered their job-sharing collaboration at the start of August.

Nussbaum, a music scholar and longtime second principal violin for the orchestra, had from February to August after . During those months, she relinquished many performance responsibilities because of time and energy constraints.

"I really missed performing and my orchestra colleagues," she said in a recent interview. “From the first day I took over as executive director, I realized the position was too much for one person with all the operation hours, fundraising and library responsibilities.

“That is especially true as we approach such a crucial year,” Nussbaum added.

The “crucial year” remains focused on selecting a new music director. This past May, . The charismatic DeLeone had announced his retirement more than a year earlier.

Auditions for De Leone’s position have progressed as planned, and the process will conclude with the close of the 2011-2012 performance season. . By fall 2012, the IPO Board and search committee will have chosen the next conductor.

Van Voorhees, who has a degree in music administration and a history of music industry work, is new to the area.

“I obviously have a passion for music, and when I came here, I wanted to get involved and meet people who love what I do,” Van Voorhees said. “I had worked in music publishing in Nashville and, prior to that, at a music school for low-income students.”

Van Voorhees linked up with the IPO and became a board member. Nussbaum took note of Van Voorhees’ interest and talents and approached her with a job-share idea before proposing it to the board. 

“Donica said it sounded interesting,” Nussbaum said.

While neither knew exactly how a split would work, they hoped to convince the board the plan was viable and, in fact, perfect for IPO’s future.

Nussbaum said the board’s initial reluctance softened once she and Van Voorhees presented a concrete plan for the job split, which, incidentally, includes a salary split.

As for titles, Van Voorhees is IPO executive director of business. Nussbaum is IPO director of artistic operations.

Both women are excited about this music adventure.

“Working together, Linda and I hope to steward the orchestra to not only preserve it, but take it into the future," Van Voorhees said. “We agree, also, (that) it’s important to honor the volunteers, board and Friends of the IPO for keeping the orchestra going by sheer determination.”

As the two go forward in their new jobs, funding for the IPO will remain a crucial issue in this volatile economy.

“The fewer dollars one has, the more closely funds need to be watched,” Nussbaum said. “We are hopeful if the economy improves, corporation and individual sponsorship and donations will increase. However, we are fortunate to have generous local individuals involved with the IPO.”

With business headquarters in Park Forest, the IPO’s performance home continues at in Frankfort.

The concert season opens Nov. 19 with guest conductor Rei Hotoda, one of the finalists for music director.