Hawai'i Symphony Orchestra Appoints New President and CEO

Amy Iwano will step into the role from July 1, 2024

Amy Iwano has been named the new President and CEO of the Hawai'i Symphony Orchestra (HSO). She will work closely alongside Music Director Dane Lam, who was appointed in 2023, to set the orchestra's artistic vision and deliver its programming.

Previously, Iwano was the artistic and executive director for Performance Santa Fe, and was also the founder and lead planning partner for the Art + Sol Santa Fe Winter Arts Festival. Earlier in her career, she was executive director for The University of Chicago Presents — and also served as the executive director for The Chicago Chamber Musicians, the executive director for the Japan America Symphony Association of Los Angeles, and worked for the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association.

She is currently vice chair of the Board of Directors of New Music USA, a board member of the Amphion Foundation, and an advisory board member for the Collaborative Arts Institute of Chicago.

"The Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra is a jewel in the cultural landscape of Oʻahu," Iwano said. "I'm honored to join such a distinguished team ensuring a vibrant future of music enjoyment, appreciation and education in Hawaiʻi."

"The chemistry and working relationship between CEO and Music Director is critical," said Dane Lam, Music Director of the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra. "Working hand in glove with Amy, I’m confident in our abilities to grow HSO’s reach, develop our artistic strategy and share our music with more people living in and living with aloha for Hawaiʻi."