In the Media

WHARTON ARTS ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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The Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts (WIPA) Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Peter H. Gistelinck as its new Executive Director, effective July 1, 2019. Gistelinck was unanimously approved by the WIPA Board of Directors following a six-month nationwide candidate search.

“WIPA is fortunate to be welcoming such a seasoned and accomplished arts executive in Peter Gistelinck to lead us in carrying forward our commitment to musical excellence for students in our communities. Peter’s passion for music education combined with his strong track record in guiding organizations will serve to take our already excellent programs to even higher levels of positive impact for all,” said Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts Board President Bob Hamburger.

Gistelinck joins WIPA from Kalamazoo where he was President and CEO of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra from 2014 through 2019. Prior to that, from 2006 through 2014, he was Executive Director of the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. Before immigrating to the United States in 2006, Gistelinck was Director of Sales and Marketing and Co-Artistic Director for the Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra in Belgium and General Manager of Business Affairs at one of France’s leading Baroque orchestras, Le Concert Spirituel in Paris.

Says Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts Artistic Director Helen Cha-Pyo, “It is rare to have an opportunity to work with such a well-rounded arts executive leader as Peter. I am excited to join my efforts with him in furthering our mission to create life-changing experiences for young people through performing arts education.”

“I am absolutely honored to have been chosen as the next leader of the renowned Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts,” said Gistelinck. “This institution, because of its commitment to diversity in the arts, outstanding leadership, and nationally-praised educational programs with sweeping community impact, is poised to become even more prominent in the field of performing arts education. I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to be part of this endeavor.” Read more…


Join us in welcoming Peter to the Wharton Arts family and help kick off the 2019-2020 season! CLICK HERE to donate. This past year we provided the highest quality music education to over 1,500 students…help us reach even more in the season to come. Thank you for your continued support!