New Mexico Philharmonic Announces Planned Leadership Transition, Amanda Gates Named Incoming Chief Executive Officer

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO, August 10, 2026 — The Board of Directors of the New Mexico Philharmonic has announced the appointment of Amanda Gates as the orchestra's Incoming Chief Executive Officer, effective September 1, 2026, beginning a carefully planned multi-phase leadership transition with current CEO Marian Tanau.

The transition is the culmination of a comprehensive national search and reflects the Board's long-term commitment to organizational sustainability, thoughtful succession planning, and continued artistic excellence.

During the 2026–2027 season, Gates will work alongside Tanau, who has served as Chief Executive Officer since 2011 and has played a pivotal role in building the New Mexico Philharmonic into one of the Southwest's leading professional orchestras. By the conclusion of the season, Tanau will transition into the role of Outgoing CEO, remaining available to support Gates and the organization as needed to ensure a seamless transfer of leadership and institutional knowledge.

"This is one of the most important decisions our Board has made in the orchestra's history," said Maureen Baca, Chair of the Board of Directors. "After conducting an extensive national search, the Board selected Amanda because of her exceptional combination of executive leadership, artistic accomplishment, nonprofit management experience, and collaborative leadership style.

"Just as importantly, we have intentionally designed this transition that allows Amanda and Marian to work side by side. We believe this approach preserves the institutional knowledge Marian has developed over 15 years while positioning the New Mexico Philharmonic for continued artistic excellence and organizational growth."

Gates brings an unusually broad range of leadership experience spanning executive management, orchestra administration, artistic leadership, education, and nonprofit governance. She currently serves as Personnel Manager of the internationally recognized Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, where she oversees orchestra personnel, auditions, musician contracting, and labor-management relations. She is the former Music Director of Orchestra of the Eastern Shore and Chair of the Instrumental Music Department at Virginia's Governor's School for the Arts, where she led one of the region's premier pre-conservatory music programs.

Earlier in her career, Gates served as Executive Director of Bay Youth Orchestras of Virginia, leading all aspects of the organization's operations, including strategic planning, budgeting, fundraising, marketing, governance, and community partnerships. During her tenure, the organization strengthened its financial position and expanded its community support.

Throughout her professional career, Gates has maintained an active presence as a professional violinist with both the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, while serving on numerous governance, strategic planning, finance, artistic, and music director search committees. She is currently completing a Doctor of Education degree in Leadership and Innovation, reflecting her continuing commitment to organizational leadership and excellence.

“I am honored to join the New Mexico Philharmonic and to become part of Albuquerque’s vibrant cultural community. What drew me to NMPhil is the rare combination of artistic excellence and deep commitment to community. As a musician, educator, and administrator, I care deeply about supporting artists while expanding the reach of orchestral music. I look forward to working closely with Marian, listening carefully to the musicians, staff, Board, donors, volunteers, and audiences, and helping build the next chapter of this remarkable orchestra.”

Tanau welcomed the announcement.

"Leading the New Mexico Philharmonic has been one of the greatest privileges of my career," he said. "I am deeply grateful to our musicians, staff, Board, donors, volunteers, and audiences for everything we have accomplished together. I look forward to working closely with Amanda over the coming season and helping ensure a successful transition that positions the orchestra for an even brighter future."

Since its founding in 2011, the New Mexico Philharmonic has grown into New Mexico's largest professional symphony orchestra, presenting a full season of classical, pops, educational, family, and community performances while serving over 40,000 audience members annually. Under Tanau's leadership, the orchestra has expanded its artistic programming, strengthened its financial foundation, increased educational initiatives, and become one of the state's premier cultural institutions.

"The New Mexico Philharmonic has always believed that great organizations prepare not only for today's success but for tomorrow's leadership," said Baca. "This transition reflects our confidence in both Marian's extraordinary legacy and Amanda's ability to lead the orchestra into its next chapter."

The New Mexico Philharmonic is New Mexico's largest professional symphony orchestra, presenting a diverse season of classical, pops, family, chamber, and educational concerts throughout central New Mexico. Through musical excellence, educational opportunities, and meaningful community engagement, the orchestra enriches lives and strengthens the cultural vitality of the region.

Media Contact

Maureen Baca, Chair, Board of Directors, New Mexico Philharmonic

mrbaca@nmphil.org, 505 450 9371

The New Mexico Philharmonic is a nonprofit corporation recognized as a charitable 501(c)(3) organization by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by the IRS. To learn more about upcoming performances or to become a volunteer, please visit nmphil.org. Donations are gratefully accepted at nmphil.org/donate-to-the-nm-phil/.