Pittsburgh Symphony Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Pittsburgh Symphony has 6 executives leading key functions including strategic management, operational oversight, and community engagement.

Dedicated to enriching cultural life through symphonic excellence, Pittsburgh Symphony fosters deep community connections while delivering world-class musical performances to diverse audiences across the region.

Leadership Roles at Pittsburgh Symphony

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Melia Tourangeau
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer - Michael Bielski
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Martin Bates
  • President, Symphony Association (Pittsburgh) - Cathy Trombetta
  • President, Jack Heinz Advisory Board - Ginevra Ventre
  • Managing Assistant To the President - Lisa Donnermeyer
  • Melia Tourangeau - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Melia Tourangeau, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Pittsburgh Symphony, directs the overarching strategic vision and artistic mission of the organization. By aligning administrative goals with the delivery of high-quality classical and pops performances, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures the long-term sustainability of the institution. Melia Tourangeau manages relationships with the Board of Directors to secure financial stability and expand the reach of music education initiatives like the BRAVO! Educator Awards. Overseeing the entire organizational structure, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives innovation in programming to attract broader demographics. This leadership role involves balancing artistic integrity with fiscal responsibility to maintain a prominent position in the cultural landscape. Through consistent engagement with community stakeholders, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the impact of the symphony, ensuring that every concert and special event contributes to the vibrant cultural fabric of the region.
    Melia Tourangeau

    Michael Bielski - Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

    Michael Bielski, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Pittsburgh Symphony, manages the internal business infrastructure and daily administrative workflows. By optimizing ticketing systems and subscription models, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer improves accessibility for students, teachers, and service members. Michael Bielski coordinates with department heads to streamline resource allocation, ensuring that live music performances run with maximum efficiency. This role focuses on the technical and logistical execution of concerts, supporting the broader mission of cultural enrichment. By refining operational processes, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer enhances the overall patron experience. The Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer also monitors performance metrics to ensure that organizational goals align with the financial health of the symphony. Through rigorous oversight of internal systems, Bielski maintains the operational excellence required to support a world-class musical institution.

    Martin Bates - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Martin Bates, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Pittsburgh Symphony, architects the strategic expansion of community outreach and educational programming. While the other Chief Operating Officer focuses on internal systems, Bates directs the external operational partnerships that facilitate regional engagement. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer oversees the implementation of special events and group ticketing initiatives, ensuring that the symphony reaches diverse audience segments. Martin Bates collaborates with the marketing and development teams to amplify the impact of music education programs. This leadership role involves managing complex logistics for large-scale performances and community-based projects. By fostering relationships with regional partners, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer drives growth in attendance and participation. Bates ensures that the operational framework supports the symphony's commitment to innovation, ultimately securing the institution's role as a central pillar of the local cultural community.

    Cathy Trombetta - President, Symphony Association (Pittsburgh)

    Cathy Trombetta, the President, Symphony Association (Pittsburgh) at Pittsburgh Symphony, leads the volunteer and membership initiatives that support the organization's core mission. By mobilizing community advocates, the President, Symphony Association (Pittsburgh) strengthens the connection between the symphony and the public. Cathy Trombetta coordinates fundraising efforts and special events that provide essential resources for educational outreach and concert production. This role involves building a network of supporters who champion the value of live music in the region. By facilitating communication between the association and the executive leadership, the President, Symphony Association (Pittsburgh) ensures that community feedback informs strategic decisions. Trombetta drives engagement through targeted membership programs, creating a sustainable base of support for the symphony's diverse performance schedule. Through dedicated leadership, the President, Symphony Association (Pittsburgh) enhances the visibility and influence of the organization, ensuring that the symphony remains a vital cultural asset for all residents.

    Ginevra Ventre - President, Jack Heinz Advisory Board

    Ginevra Ventre, the President, Jack Heinz Advisory Board at Pittsburgh Symphony, provides high-level guidance on governance and long-term institutional strategy. By advising the executive team on policy and community impact, the President, Jack Heinz Advisory Board ensures that the symphony adheres to its core values of innovation and excellence. Ginevra Ventre facilitates discussions among board members to address complex challenges and identify opportunities for growth. This leadership role involves evaluating the effectiveness of current programs and recommending adjustments to better serve the audience. The President, Jack Heinz Advisory Board works closely with the President & Chief Executive Officer to align board priorities with the overall mission of the organization. By leveraging deep industry knowledge, Ventre supports the symphony's efforts to maintain its status as a premier cultural institution. Through strategic oversight, the President, Jack Heinz Advisory Board helps secure the future of the symphony, ensuring continued success in the competitive arts sector.

    Lisa Donnermeyer - Managing Assistant To the President

    Lisa Donnermeyer, the Managing Assistant To the President at Pittsburgh Symphony, coordinates the executive office operations and facilitates communication across all leadership levels. By managing the schedule and priorities of the President & Chief Executive Officer, the Managing Assistant To the President ensures that strategic initiatives receive the necessary attention. Lisa Donnermeyer acts as a primary liaison between the executive office and the various departments, streamlining the flow of information and decision-making. This role involves preparing critical documentation and supporting the execution of board-level projects. By maintaining organizational order, the Managing Assistant To the President allows the leadership team to focus on the core mission of delivering exceptional musical experiences. Donnermeyer monitors the progress of key projects, ensuring that deadlines are met and objectives are achieved. Through meticulous attention to detail, the Managing Assistant To the President supports the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the symphony's administrative operations.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Pittsburgh Symphony Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Pittsburgh Symphony?
    Pittsburgh Symphony is led by Melia Tourangeau (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Michael Bielski (Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer) and Martin Bates (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Pittsburgh Symphony’s executive team?
    The executive team of Pittsburgh Symphony includes leaders such as Melia Tourangeau (President & Chief Executive Officer), Michael Bielski (Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer), Martin Bates (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Pittsburgh Symphony have?
    Pittsburgh Symphony has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Pittsburgh Symphony’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Pittsburgh Symphony includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, President, Symphony Association (Pittsburgh), President, Jack Heinz Advisory Board.