(Philadelphia, October 22, 2020)—The Philadelphia Orchestra has appointed Mitch Bassion as vice president of development. The appointment comes at an integral time as the Orchestra continues to navigate the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bassion joined the Orchestra in July 2015 as senior director of principal gifts and was promoted to assistant vice president of development in September 2017, a role in which he rebuilt the Orchestra’s individual giving program and team. Bassion served as interim vice president of development beginning May 2020. As vice president of development, he will continue to oversee the entire fundraising operation of the Orchestra, including a prospective capital campaign currently in the planning stages.
“It is both an honor and privilege to lead the extraordinary fundraising team at The Philadelphia Orchestra, a team that includes our board, volunteers, and musicians,” said Bassion. “I look forward not only to meeting the present and unique challenges we face during this critical chapter in our journey, but also to continuing the important work that will help the Orchestra emerge a strengthened institution for years to come.”
“Mitch’s exemplary leadership and commitment to The Philadelphia Orchestra have proven ever more an asset during these extraordinary times,” said Philadelphia Orchestra President and CEO Matías Tarnopolsky. “We look forward to his continued innovation and success in fundraising as we continue to chart a path toward a bright future.”
Prior to his tenure with the Orchestra, Bassion’s 24-year career as a fundraiser in the cultural sector has taken him around the country, in roles at major arts organizations in Washington, D.C.; Chicago; Seattle; Los Angeles; Kansas City; San Diego; and Atlanta. He has held senior fundraising positions with Lyric Opera of Chicago, Seattle Opera, and Los Angeles Opera.
He served as director of development for the Los Angeles Conservancy, the largest local member-based historic preservation organization in the U.S. Prior to returning to Philadelphia he was director of development for Washington Performing Arts, a prominent multi-disciplinary arts presenter in Washington, D.C., which has a long history of presenting Philadelphia Orchestra concerts in the nation’s capital.
Bassion is a native Philadelphian and a graduate of Northeast High School and the University of Maryland at College Park.
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