RPO hires seasoned arts executive to lead next phase of growth

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As the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra pursues a more than $50 million campaign aimed at strengthening its endowment, expanding educational programming and ensuring long-term sustainability, the organization has selected an experienced arts executive with a history of managing multimillion-dollar budgets and securing major philanthropic support as its next president and CEO. 

Tonya McBride Robles will assume the role Aug. 17, bringing more than two decades of leadership experience in the performing arts, most recently serving as the vice president of Expanded Education at the New England Conservatory in Boston, where she oversaw the institution’s community and digital learning divisions. 

“Tonya’s combination of operational excellence, artistic understanding, fundraising success and public-facing leadership experience makes her uniquely qualified to build on the RPO’s strong foundation and guide the organization into its next chapter,” said Diana Clarkson, RPO board chair. 

McBride Robles will oversee roughly 40 administrative staff, managing an operation that presents 150 annual concerts and broadcasts, serving up to 170,000 regional patrons. 

She will report directly to the RPO Board of Directors and serve as a direct collaborative partner to Music Director Andreas Delfs and Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik. 

McBride Robles succeeds Curt Long who served as the RPO’s president and CEO for nine years and announced his plans to leave the organization in March.  

The move comes at a time when the orchestra is in the midst of a $50 million-plus comprehensive campaign to grow the endowment, expand the RPO’s education and community engagement programs and provide long-term sustainability. 

McBride Robles is a classically trained singer holding a Bachelor of Music Education from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University. She earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus and has served as chief operating officer of both the Baltimore and Nashville Symphonies.   

In those roles, she managed major operational budgets up to $28 million, directed ticket revenue growth, secured seven-figure philanthropic gifts, and successfully negotiated landmark multi-year labor agreements.  

Additionally, she developed partnerships with community activists, encouraged audience diversification and advanced cross-genre collaborations with local indie artists.  

McBride Robles also accompanied her U.S. Naval Officer spouse on international assignments, spanning Spain, Bahrain, Japan and Ecuador, where he served as Naval Attaché.  

“I’m honored to join the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra at such an exciting moment in its history,” said McBride Robles. “The RPO’s commitment to artistic excellence, education and community engagement is deeply inspiring. I look forward to partnering with Music Director Andreas Delfs, Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik, the musicians, staff, board, donors and the Rochester community to build on the orchestra’s remarkable legacy.” 

The RPO search committee reviewed a pool of national candidates to find a leader with the ability to unite artistic, financial and community priorities, while mirroring goals set by the organization’s founder. 

McBride Robles will be focused on growing earned and contributed revenues plus developing innovative patron experiences for diverse audiences throughout Greater Rochester.  

“I am excited to build on the distinguished history of this organization which honors George Eastman’s vision of the orchestra belonging to the community,” McBride Robles said, adding the RPO has earned a national reputation for artistic excellence through the vision and dedication of generations of musicians, music directors, board members, staff, volunteers and supporters.  “I look forward to working alongside this talented team to ensure the RPO continues to thrive and serve Rochester for generations to come.” 

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