(Philadelphia, September 17, 2019)—The Philadelphia Orchestra has appointed Tanya Derksen as vice president of artistic production, effective October 28, 2019. Derksen comes to The Philadelphia Orchestra from the Regina Symphony Orchestra in Saskatchewan, Canada, where she serves as executive director.A trained musician and executive leader, Derksen brings extensive experience in orchestra management to her new role. As vice president of artistic production, she will oversee personnel, production, operations, and touring, with an eye toward strategizing and executing creative deployment of the Orchestra.
“Tanya is a passionate and dynamic arts leader who brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this important role within the Orchestra,” said Philadelphia Orchestra President and CEO Matías Tarnopolsky. “Under her guidance, we will enhance our presentation of the Orchestra at home in Philadelphia, across the country, and around the world. We are delighted to welcome Tanya to The Philadelphia Orchestra family.
“I'm thrilled to be joining The Philadelphia Orchestra family,” said Derksen. “It is a privilege and an honor to be welcomed by this distinguished orchestra and to join the Philadelphia community. I look forward to continuing the legacy of excellence and innovation for audiences here and internationally.”
During her five years at the helm of the Regina Symphony Orchestra, Derksen oversaw operations and production, touring, artistic and educational programming, community partnerships, financial management, and more, working closely with the music director, musicians of the Orchestra, and staff. She led the organization through a significant period of growth, launching a festival focused on social change issues, establishing new education programs, transforming marketing strategies, and securing the organization’s largest individual gift of $1 million.
Derksen previously served as director of education and outreach for the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and held roles with Manitoba Music and the Ruth Cansfield Dance Company. An accomplished pianist, she has performed internationally with choirs and soloists, taught private lessons, and served as a piano adjudicator for community music festivals.
Dersken received her Bachelor of Music degree from Brandon University and her MBA from the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba. She is the president of Orchestras Canada, the national association for Canadian orchestras, and has served in leadership roles with the Sistema Canada Steering Committee, the Manitoba Conservatory of Music and Arts, the Future Leaders of Manitoba, and the 2015 National Conference for Music Educators in Canada.
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