Paul Meecham: overture to a love affair.

• Author: Johnson, Melanie
• Position: Around Utah: People - Interview

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Skilled in the art and business of orchestra leadership, Paul Meecham wasn't looking to leave the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) where he served as president and CEO since 2006. But coming to Utah had several selling points--and ultimately, an offer he couldn't refuse.

"I had never been to Salt Lake City before so it's not like I had a love affair with Utah--although I think I will develop one quickly," Meecham says. "It was a combination of a bunch of things that intrigued me even before I got on a plane. And of course once I saw it, I quickly started to fall in love with it."

One reason? "It's clear that the orchestra is deeply embedded in the cultural life of Utah," says Meecham. "There's a lot of really great things going on here."

As president and CEO, Meecham will work closely with Thierry Fischer, music director for the Utah Symphony, and Christopher McBeth, artistic director for the Utah Opera. In fact, a selling point for Meecham was the collaboration of the symphony and the opera.

"I've never been involved directly in opera," Meecham says.

He was also attracted to the USUO's educational programs, outreach to Utah schools, and involvement in the Utah community at large. Although Meecham isn't looking to immediately shake things up, he sees growth opportunities, particularly in audience development.

Meecham's vast experience will help him tap into that potential in this new role. In addition to serving as president and CEO of BSO, he has served more than 20 years in executive management roles at the London Sinfonetta, New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony and Seattle Symphony.

Looking at USUO as a business, Meecham is responsible for it all--from meeting projected revenues and managing expenses to securing donations to raise money not covered by ticket sales. But this is nothing new for Meecham. Following a period of significant financial instability, he immediately restored...