Artistic and Financial Achievements and Momentum Leads to Contract Extension

SACRAMENTO, CA – June 4, 2024 – Sending a strong signal that his leadership has dramatically propelled the institution forward in service to the greater Sacramento region, the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera (SP&O) Board of Directors has extended Executive Director Giuliano Kornberg’s contract with the organization. This four-year extension goes through June 30, 2028.

In addition to the contract extension, Kornberg will also be the organization’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), in recognition of his leadership and vision for the organization.

“The Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera is earning unprecedented success and, under Giuliano’s leadership, has taken advantage of fresh and exciting opportunities to grow our artistic excellence and service to Sacramento while maintaining a solid financial foundation. There is a palpable sense of forward momentum – something Giuliano’s tireless leadership will sustain and advance,” said Board Chair Sheree Meyer. “In extending Giuliano’s contract, the Board has taken an important step to position the organization for the future.”

Kornberg began his tenure as Executive Director in 2022 and has since led the SP&O through enviable artistic success and financial growth. Last year, SP&O announced that it had performed for a record 400,000 greater Sacramentans; subscription revenue had increased 45%; and the organization had raised over $10 million in gifts and sponsorships to both the SP&O and the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera Foundation (its Endowment) since 2015. Additionally, conductor Ari Pelto was named Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor in Spring 2023, and SP&O’s management and musicians are currently in a three-year collective bargaining agreement, securing a robust slate of performances through the 2024-25 Season.

Prior to being named Executive Director, Kornberg began leading SP&O’s fundraising efforts in 2016 and later added responsibility for ticket sales. Under his leadership, the SP&O’s annual giving has increased from $630,000 to $1.7 million, the SP&O Foundation’s assets have grown from $400,000 to $3.2 million, more than 1,250 season subscriptions have been sold, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in COVID-relief funding were previously secured.

“The SP&O’s mission to deliver inspiring musical experiences and foster a vibrant cultural community remains at the heart of everything we do. Moving forward, and in collaboration with the board, staff, musicians, and the community, I look forward to building upon our work of the last several years, helping grow our artistic excellence and expand our impact in the community. Together, we can achieve new milestones, reach wider audiences, and deepen our engagement with the region’s cultural landscape,” said Kornberg.

Looking to the future, the momentum continues. Subscriptions for the SP&O’s next season are on sale, with subscription sales outpacing this year’s strong results. For the first time, a Sunday performance was added to the schedule, with Beethoven, Brahms and Hadelich to be performed on Saturday, January 25 and Sunday, January 26, 2025. In addition to orchestra programs, two operas are planned – The Marriage of Figaro in October and Cavalleria Rusticana in March. Subscriptions are available at www.sacphilopera.org; single tickets go on sale in August

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