Eastman School of Music Appoints New Associate Dean for Artistic Planning

Katharine Schimmer, former Director of Strategic Initiatives at The Philadelphia Orchestra, will step into the role

The Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester has announced the appointment of Kate Schimmer as its new Associate Dean for Artistic Planning. She will start on June 9, 2025.

Schimmer's primary responsibilities will be to oversee Eastman's annual concert seasons and events. She will manage relationships with the school's leadership team, faculty, staff, guest artists, and students to produce festivals, conferences, concerts, and various interdisciplinary or cross-departmental initiatives.

She comes to the role from a position as Director of Strategic Initiatives at The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts, where she led the dedication of Marian Anderson Hall, among other projects. Over a ten-year career with the orchestra, she has also served in other positions, such as Manager of Artist Services and Assistant Artistic Administrator.

She has held roles with the San Francisco Symphony, the Boston Symphony, singer-songwriter James Taylor, and the Berkshire Theatre Group.

A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Tufts University, and the New England Conservatory, Schimmer has studied music and social policy.

"I am delighted that Katharine is joining Eastman at an exciting time for the school," said Kate Sheeran, the school's Joan and Martin Messinger Dean. "Her experience at The Philadelphia Orchestra, working with musicians, audiences, and community members to implement meaningful initiatives will be a perfect fit for us."

"This new role will help to seamlessly tie together our educational mission, performance season, and key partnerships. Our students’ experience will be all the richer, and we are looking forward to bringing music from Eastman to even more people in Rochester and beyond."

"I am honored and excited to be joining the Eastman community," Schimmer said. "It is a storied institution, and I am looking forward to contributing to its bright future."