In a press release, the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra has announced their new executive director.
[Full press release]
The Manitoba Chamber Orchestra is pleased to announce Sean McManus as its new Executive Director.
Sean is well-known as a pillar of our local music community. As Manitoba Music’s Executive Director since 2015, Sean has been one of the province’s most important stewards of the music sector. Whether fostering local pop, Indigenous, or classical music, Sean’s role required an expert balancing of business, artistic, and social priorities. He also led several pan-Canadian music industry alliances and initiatives and has promoted Manitoba artists and companies on the international stage. Sean has a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Arts in Ethnomusicology. A proud Winnipegger, Sean has himself been a touring musician, music teacher and a regular MCO audience member and attended concerts for years with his family.
Sean’s rare talents and background — his broad music industry acumen, love of classical music, and commitment to advancing equity and belonging in our music community — make him ideally positioned to lead the MCO into our second half century.
“I’m thrilled to join the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra in a role that will allow me to share my skills and experience with Manitoba’s arts community in new ways,” he says. “I’m deeply fond of the MCO, it’s a marvellous ensemble and a dynamic organization. I look forward to working with Music Director Anne Manson, the board, and the whole team to build on the orchestra’s venerable legacy and write an exciting next chapter.”
“The board is delighted to appoint Sean McManus as the MCO’s new Executive Director, and we look forward to welcoming Sean to this leadership role,” says MCO Board President Florence Carey. “Sean brings extensive and deep experience with the arts and music communities in Manitoba and Canada. As we plan for the future of the MCO, we are confident that Sean’s leadership will bring fresh perspectives and initiatives to build on our existing strong foundation, and help to launch the MCO into the next 50 years!”
MCO worked with the professional Executive Search firm Martin Bragg & Associates to undertake a national and international search for the MCO’s new Executive Director.
Sean McManus starts as the new Executive Director on 14 August 2023.
The MCO staff, musicians, and board are looking forward to the new friendships, music, collaborations, and innovations to flourish in the coming years.