A fitting tribute to a significant man
During my last set of individual interviews for the Fellowship back in March, I was asked an interesting question. The question went something like this: “In regards to orchestra management, how have you been mentored in your career so far?” I explained that thus far, I have received two kinds of mentorship: mentorship by direct observation of my superiors at the Chicago Symphony and Ravinia Festival during my summer internships and mentorship by indirect observation of leaders in the field. The second type of mentorship involves reading articles written by and about industry giants such as Larry Tamburri (president of the Pittsburgh Symphony, my last residency) and Henry Fogel (League president and former Chicago Symphony CEO).
Since arriving in Aspen, this dual mentorship approach has continued. I have been directly mentored by Hilary Field (League program director), Jim Berdahl (General Manager at Aspen), Don Roth (President at Aspen), and others. Of particular note, however, my philosophies have been indirectly guided by one very unique individual. Sadly, I will never have the opportunity to meet this man face to face.
Just over six months ago, the music world lost one of its greatest leaders. Robert Harth, then president of Carnegie Hall, died of a heart attack in his New York apartment. Robert, more than any other of my mentors, provides me with a glimpse of what a young and passionate leader in this industry can achieve.
Robert, the son of two Aspen Music Festival faculty members, grew up around classical music but never seemed really pressured to enter the field. He majored in English Literature at Northwestern, played the guitar in a folk band, and was a huge fan of classic rock (he supposedly knew the lyrics to every existing Beatles tune, how many classical musicians can make that claim?). Growing up at the Aspen Music Festival as a kid, he worked odd jobs over the summer from guarding the old music tent to working stage crew. It may not have seemed a huge leap to him at the time but while studying at Northwestern, at the young age of 19, he was hired as production manager of the 1975 Ravinia Festival season and continued on as their associate manager until 1979. Then, at the age of 23, he was recruited as the general manager of the Los Angeles Philharmonic…23 years old! The next 10 years in LA have been referred to as his “growing years” and when he finally left that post in 1989, he had become somewhat of a legend in the organization. He left the GM position in LA to return to his Aspen roots as president of the festival. He was then 33 years old. Robert took the struggling festival and inspired dramatic improvements including moving its offices from New York to Aspen full time, overseeing the creation of a new music tent as well as the underground Harris Hall which allows for the festival to produce its art year round, and multiplying the financial foundation by over 20 fold! In 2001 Robert decided it was time to move on and accepted an offer to become the head honcho at Carnegie Hall. His first day of work was Sep. 8th, 2001 just days before the national tragedy still so fresh in our minds. He guided Carnegie through those difficult times and still managed to oversee the opening of a new hall and educational institute despite the overwhelmingly harsh financial climate.
As one can clearly see, Robert left a tangible legacy with every organization he had touched. His intangible legacy, however, is what has truly been the deepest inspiration. Hilary Field, who worked with Robert as Director of Operations in Aspen, said it best, “A composer leaves a piece of music, Robert left a way of life.” Robert’s “way of life” created a comfortable yet vibrantly productive cultural climate that is still alive and well in Aspen, years after his departure. To me, that is the true mark of a leader. Just about any dictator with a vision can force positive change during his/her temporary tenure but it is a rare leader that sets the interests of the organization first, puts this vision to work in each and every co-worker, and leaves a lasting impression long after he or she is gone. Robert has helped teach me this.
Last Thursday, the Aspen family paid official tribute to Robert with a collage concert that mixed classical music, Dave Matthews Band, a video interview with Robert, and testimonies of faculty as well as community members. Old poker buddies, family friends, drinking partners, and co-workers (often the same people) came out in good form to honor the man. I sat in the back of the tent, silent, reflecting on the enormous impact this one individual had from such an early age on our industry. He has been, is, and will continue to be my mentor over the years to come. Thank you Robert.
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