London Symphony Orchestra announces John Harte as managing director

Harte, who was been Aurora orchestra's chief executive since 2009, replaces Kathryn McDowell

The London Symphony Orchestra has announced that John Harte will be the orchestra's next managing director, replacing Dame Kathryn McDowell, who steps down after 20 years in the role at the end of the summer.

Harte has been chief executive of Aurora Orchestra since 2009, where, alongside principal conductor Nicholas Collon and creative director Jane Mitchell, he has built the group from a startup into one of the most successful and innovative new British arts organisations in recent decades. Prior to his role with Aurora, Harte worked for the British choral label Collegium and completed a doctorate in Middle Eastern history at the School of Oriental and African Studies.