The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is looking outside the arts world for help.
On Friday, the orchestra announced James Santilli, formerly the chief marketing officer for the Pittsburgh Penguins, as the PSO’s new senior vice president and chief revenue & experience officer. He starts Monday.
Mr. Santilli is tasked with helping the organization generate revenue and improve the audience experience. While the symphony is up year-over-year in terms of revenue, revenues are not rising fast enough to keep pace with increasing expenses, which could spell trouble for the organization in years to come.
“For decades, I’ve had the honor of shaping unforgettable moments for Pittsburgh sports fans,” Mr. Santilli said in a statement. “Joining the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is a seamless next chapter in that journey.”
While with the Penguins, Mr. Santilli led the marketing team through periods of uncertainty, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the sale of the team to Fenway Sports Group and more.
The Penguins scored all-time high ticket and partnership revenue during the 2023-24 season.
At the symphony, ticket sales, or earned revenue, currently accounts for about 20% of the orchestra’s $34 million annual budget, with the remainder coming from donations from individuals, corporations and philanthropies, as well as some public funding.
In March, the orchestra also announced a new senior vice president and chief development officer, Monica Meyer Beale, a former oboist who has worked in the orchestra world for decades. She also starts work on Monday.
First Published: April 11, 2025, 3:30 p.m.
Updated: April 11, 2025, 11:38 p.m.
