Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) has announced the selection of Tonya McBride Robles to serve as its new President & CEO. Tonya McBride Robles is set to join RPO from August 17, 2026, following a national search process conducted by the RPO Board of Directors.
McBride Robles comes to the RPO with over 20 years of experience as an executive leader in major orchestras and arts organizations, with experience in arts administration, fundraising, educational outreach, and community involvement.
She most recently served as Vice President of Expanded Education for New England Conservatory in Boston, having held senior leadership positions at the Nashville Symphony and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
“The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra 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.”
Tonya McBride Robles
McBride Robles takes over from Curt Long, who acted as the President and CEO for a period of nine years. This is at a time when the orchestra is implementing a $50 million plus campaign aimed at increasing its endowment and sustainability.
A classical singer, McBride Robles earned a Bachelor of Music Education and Performer Certificate in Voice from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University and then received a Master of Public Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
As mentioned in the press release, McBride Robles is expected to work on increasing the organization’s earned and contributed income and creating new audience experiences in The Greater Rochester area. She will also work as a collaborative partner for the artistic leadership of the orchestra.
The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1922 and currently performs about 150 concerts and broadcasts every year.
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