
Benedikt Fohr
Chief Executive
Orchestras have remained a timeless form of entertainment, adapting across generations and cultures, with their ability to connect with diverse audiences. However, managing such a dynamic organization, with numerous musicians, staff, and constant logistical shifts, requires more than management skills. It takes a leader who can pull through the chaos, blending knowledge of the arts, a passion for music, and strong networking ability to balance artistic and operational demands while ensuring every performance succeeds and the orchestra continues to thrive.
Building on the leadership essential to orchestral management, Benedikt Fohr, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil), brings a blend of expertise, passion, and operational skill to his role. Since April 2019, he has led HK Phil, steering its growth and success. Before HK Phil, he headed the Deutsche Radio Philharmonie Saarbrücken Kaiserslautern and held leadership roles at the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra, Camerata Salzburg, Ensemble Recherche Freiburg, and Echternach Music Festival. With an MBA from the University of Mannheim and extensive experience in the music industry, he seamlessly balances operational strategy with artistic vision.
Take us through your professional journey. What is your success mantra?
With over 30 years in the arts, I’ve held leadership roles spanning arts management to executive leadership in premier orchestras worldwide. My journey began in Freiburg, where I managed the business operations of a contemporary music ensemble of nine young musicians. I then led Camerata Salzburg, expanding its international presence, before being headhunted to the Luxembourg Philharmonic, where I successfully doubled its audience. Later, in Saarbrücken, I accomplished the mission of merging two German radio orchestras into the Deutsche Radio Philharmonie, which now performs actively at a high level in Germany.
In 2019, I joined the HK Phil, embracing a new cultural landscape. That same year, it received the "Orchestra of the Year 2019" Gramophone Award. Despite pandemic challenges, we strengthened audience engagement and resumed global tours in 2023. At the end of the 2023-24 season, which marked its 50th anniversary, we appointed the next Music Director, Tarmo Peltokoski. It has been wonderful to play a part in the artistic growth of HK Phil over the past years.
My mantra for success is to listen and understand musicians, conductors, soloists, and colleagues. I believe in respecting those who deliver first-class results without being harsh or arrogant.
Great orchestras thrive not just on talent, but on leadership that listens, adapts, and respects the art and its creators
What strategies do you employ to encourage creativity and risk-taking within your team?
In a cultural organization, the emphasis is always on creativity rather than risk-taking. To encourage creative thinking, I foster an open-minded environment where colleagues have the freedom and flexibility to innovate. It’s also important to recognize that having little room for trial and error is natural, given that music event planning itself spans over 18 months and involves multiple departments.
Creativity is essential for our artistic team in curating programs that attract diverse audiences and integrate new technologies. To drive innovation, we actively track industry trends and collaborate with other art disciplines and research units. In marketing, we promote creative strategies through internal discussions, feedback sessions, and small-group brainstorming. As promotions shift online, we support our team with budgets, training, and advanced tools to stay ahead in the evolving digital landscape.
Describe your leadership approach and the methodologies you follow?
I believe in setting a good example for my team. I don’t ask them to do something I’m not willing to do myself. While I'm not a control freak, I believe trust must be earned. Until that trust is established, I prefer to stay informed about progress, and if necessary, I’ll check and recheck until the job is done. Effective communication is a key to my leadership approach. My colleagues know they can always come to me with any issues, which help maintain transparency and fosters a healthier work environment. Ultimately, as a leader, I set the direction, and since we are all part of the team, we depend on each other. Sometimes I hear that I’m too nice a boss, but I see that as strength, not a weakness. I believe in creating a positive and supportive atmosphere.
What are your plans for the future?
After more than 30 years in orchestra management, including over six years as Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, I will be stepping down from my position at the end of this season to embark on a new career path. While I will remain within the music industry, I plan to transition into an advisory role, leveraging my extensive experience in the performing arts scenes of both Europe and Asia. I am eager to share my knowledge and connect with cultural institutions.
What advice do you have for aspiring leaders in the industry?
To all budding industry leaders, understand that no university can completely prepare you for this job. The most valuable lessons are learned through experience. Passion for the performing arts, understanding human relationships, and showing empathy are the key. Listen, observe, remember, work hard and strive for excellence. Stay open to new ideas, be diligent, and remain humble. If you love what you do, success will follow, just as it does in any other field.
Benedikt Fohr, Chief Executive, Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra
Benedikt Fohr led prestigious ensembles before joining the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra as Chief Executive in 2019. His career includes key roles at Ensemble Recherche, which earned multiple Prix Ernst von Siemens Foundation awards, and Camerata Salzburg, recipient of the European Culture Award. With a passion for music, he continues to drive orchestral excellence.
Hobbies: Cooking, Travelling
Favorite Cuisine: Italian
Favorite Book: The House of Yan (Lan Yan)
Favorite Travel Destination: South-East Asia