Fort Worth Symphony CEO to Depart in January 2027
Keith Cerny will step down from his leadership role at the orchestra to join an out-of-state arts organization.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Classical
Live Poll
Do you trust your local arts organizations to maintain stability during changes in leadership?
The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra announced that president and CEO Keith Cerny will resign from his position in January 2027. Cerny intends to transition into a new leadership role at an unnamed out-of-state arts organization.
Why it matters
Cerny has led the orchestra since 2019, overseeing operations alongside board chair Mercedes T. Bass. His tenure included navigating the organization through the financial challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while retaining staff and musicians on full pay.
Keith Cerny served as the general director of the Dallas Opera from 2010 to 2017 and held executive roles at organizations including the San Francisco Opera and SheetMusicPlus.com. Prior to his arts career, he worked at consulting firms including McKinsey & Co. and Accenture.
The players
Keith Cerny
He is the outgoing president and CEO of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra who previously led the Dallas Opera and the Calgary Opera.
Mercedes T. Bass
She serves as the board chair of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and managed organizational operations in cooperation with Cerny.
Robert Spano
He is a conductor and musician who assumed the role of music director at the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra in 2022.
Jane Glover
She is a conductor who began her tenure as the principal guest conductor for the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra in 2025.
The details
During Cerny's leadership, the symphony appointed Robert Spano as music director in 2022 and welcomed Jane Glover as principal guest conductor in 2025. The orchestra maintained full salary support for musicians and staff throughout the pandemic period.
Timeline
Keith Cerny served as general director of the Dallas Opera from 2010 to 2017.
Cerny began his tenure as president and CEO of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra in 2019.
Robert Spano took on the role of music director in 2022.
Jane Glover began her term as principal guest conductor in 2025.
Cerny is scheduled to vacate his position at the orchestra in January 2027.
Industry Dynamics
The transition reflects the broader turnover often seen in major arts leadership following periods of stabilization. Cerny's exit follows a multi-year tenure that helped the orchestra navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic impact on performing arts employment.
Patrons and season ticket holders should anticipate future announcements regarding the transition process and potential changes to administrative leadership. Concert schedules and performances under current artistic leadership are expected to continue as planned during the search for a successor.
The takeaway
Leadership transitions in arts organizations often serve as a catalyst for strategic realignments and new long-term goals. Audiences can monitor official orchestra communications for information regarding the executive search process in the coming months.
Further reading
For more news on the local arts scene, visit the Classical section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Dallas Morning News.
Live Poll
Do you trust your local arts organizations to maintain stability during changes in leadership?
