The Minnesota Orchestra has announced that Erik Finley has been appointed the Leni and David Moore, Jr. Vice President of Artistic Planning.

In this role, he will collaborate closely with Music Director Designate Thomas Søndergård, musicians, and artistic staff to bring to life a shared artistic vision for the organization.

Finley is currently the Vice President and General Manager of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. He will begin his role with the Minnesota Orchestra on Jan. 30, 2023.

As vice president of artistic planning, Finley will be responsible for the multi-season design and execution of the Orchestra’s overall artistic programming, including cultivating artistic relationships, collaborating on repertoire selection, overseeing digital programming, and developing plans for commissioning, recording, and special initiatives in alignment with the organization’s strategic directions.

In a statement Music Director Søndergård said, “I am very happy that Erik will be leading our artistic team to develop strategic programming, commissioning and artistic initiatives as I begin my role in Minnesota. I like his approach very much—he is creative, collaborative and a good listener. We are on the cusp of many beginnings, and I look forward to partnering with Erik, our musicians and other artistic staff to bring it all together.”

Finley studied horn at Rice University, the Royal College of Music in London, the Music Academy of the West, and the National Repertory Orchestra. He is a graduate of Boston University and the Interlochen Arts Academy, and an MBA candidate at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.