Peter W. May and Oscar L. Tang have been elected the next Co-Chairs of the Board of Directors of the New York Philharmonic. In September they will succeed Oscar S. Schafer, who is stepping down after holding the post of Chairman since 2015 and will continue to serve as Chairman Emeritus. In October the Orchestra will honor him and his wife, Didi, at the Fall Gala for their extraordinary service, which includes presenting the Concerts in the Parks.
“The word ‘honor’ doesn’t adequately express my feelings about being part of the New York Philharmonic at this pivotal time,” said Oscar S. Schafer. “Having witnessed the vitality of the Orchestra’s performances and the creative planning since Deborah Borda and Jaap van Zweden arrived, I am confident in the Philharmonic’s next chapter. The musicians and their music-making will be in the best possible hands with Peter May and Oscar Tang as Co-Chairs, and I look forward to supporting them as Chairman Emeritus.”
Both Peter May and Oscar Tang currently serve on the Board of Directors, and have supported Philharmonic projects including co-chairing Opening, Lunar New Year, and Spring Galas.
When the news was announced, President and CEO Deborah Borda said: “The New York Philharmonic is at the threshold of a new era. Thanks to Oscar Schafer’s enthusiasm and foresight, we now have the brilliant Jaap van Zweden as Music Director, and have set out on a path to security and greatness. But a truly great orchestra deserves a magnificent home, and much work lies ahead to achieve all we hope for in a renovated David Geffen Hall. The Philharmonic now needs the leadership team of two visionary and dedicated philanthropists, both committed to a sound grounding and imaginative problem solving. In Peter May and Oscar Tang we have such a team, whose love of New York is matched by their determination to help the Philharmonic to heighten our connection with our audiences, our community, and the world.”
(Photo: Fadi Kheir)
