Benedikt Fohr Resigns as Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Philharmonic

Fohr brought the orchestra through the pandemic and presided over the appointment of Tarmo Peltokoski as its new Music Director

The Hong Kong Philharmonic recently announced that Benedikt Fohr, who has been its Chief Executive since 2019, will stand down in July 2025.

Fohr has spent the vast majority of his career managing orchestras: before arriving in Hong Kong he was Orchestra Manager of the Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Saarbrücken, and in 2007, he merged this ensemble with the Rundfunkorchester Kaiserslautern to create the Deutsche Radio Philharmonie Saarbrücken Kaiserslautern.

Previously, Fohr was General Director of the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra (2001-2006), Secretary General of Camerata Salzburg (1996-2001), and Managing Director of Ensemble Recherche, Freiburg (1989-1996).

One of the major achievements of his tenure in Hong Kong was the appointment of the young Finnish conductor Tarmo Peltokoski as the orchestra's new Music Director, beginning in the 2026/27 season. Peltokoski, who was just 24 at the time of the signing, will succeed Jaap van Zweden.

Fohr was educated at home in Germany and holds an MBA from the University of Mannheim.

"It has been a challenging but hugely exciting six years with this fabulous orchestra, and I am honored to have worked for the HK Phil, and grateful to the musicians, staff and board for what we have achieved together," Fohr said."

"Emerging from the pandemic and celebrating the HK Phil's magnificent 50th anniversary season in this vibrant city, with extensive touring throughout Asia and Europe, culminating in the appointment of Tarmo Peltokoski as our new Music Director, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my entire career. Now, after 30 years in leading positions with international orchestras, I look forward to new ventures in the music and arts management."

"Benedikt has taken the orchestra through a challenging but critical period of its development, guiding us through the pandemic, the appointment of our new Music Director, and our first European tour in 10 years," said David Cogman, chair of the orchestra's Board of Governors. "He leaves the orchestra a stronger and more vibrant institution: we are very grateful to him for his enthusiasm, dedication and commitment, and wish him the best in his endeavors in Europe."