New director for the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra appointed
Interim director for the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, Odd S. Gullberg has been appointed as the orchestra’s new permanent director.
December 2006 saw former director Morten Walderhaug stepping down as director, citing lack of sufficient funding as the main reason for his departure. Odd S. Gullberg was appointed as interim director in February 2007. It was announced this week that Gullberg will continue to lead the internationally respected orchestra as its permanent director. Says Chairwoman of the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra’s board Ida Børresen in a press statement: ‘Through a long career in domestic and international business, Odd Gullberg has proven that he can master major challenges while also maintaining a strong passion for classical music.’
Børresen also points out that the decision to offer Gullberg a permanent position was borne out of the fact that both the orchestra’s musicians, the administration as well as the Oslo Philharmonic’s chief conductor all expressed a strong wish for the interim director to continue in his position. ‘The board of directors shares these views and we’re happy to announce that we have reached an agreement with Gullberg to continue as the orchestra’s director for a period of two to three years.
Gullberg has held a number of executive positions in major Norwegian oil corporation Norsk Hydro, including stints as the company’s communications director and later as CEO for Norsk Hydro Americas.
In later years, Gullberg has held the position as Chief Operating Officer of the Geneva based organisation World Business Council for Sustainable Development. Gullberg has also been a trusted member of a number of boards in several Norwegian as well as international organisations and corporations.
Gullberg’s involvement with the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra stretches back to 1988 when he initiated an extensive sponsorship programme involving the orchestra and Norsk Hydro, a programme that is still in effect and has been considered unique on the Norwegian arts scene.
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