John Mangum, the outstanding director of artistic planning at the San Francisco Symphony, has been appointed president and artistic director of the Philharmonic Society of Orange County. He starts in the new position on July 1.
Mangum, 39, a Bay Area native, who had a similar position with the New York Philharmonic before joining SFS three years ago, had an important role in planning programs and engaging artists. Welcoming him to San Francisco, SFS Executive Director Brent Assink praised Mangum's "extensive musical knowledge, his programming skill and creativity, and the passion for sharing this music with the broadest possible audience."
Born and raised in Danville, Mangum has spoken of his introduction to music being "right here, in Davies Hall, Roger Norrington conducting Beethoven's Eighth and Ninth symphonies."
In his new position, he will oversee the classical-music bookings for the 60-year-old Society, which presents major touring classical groups and soloists at Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa and the Irvine Barclay Theater at UC Irvine.