Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s President and CEO to Retire

After a seven-year tenure, Jonathan Martin will retire from the role in February 2025

Jonathan Martin joined the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO) as its President and CEO in September 2017. After seven years, he has announced his retirement from the position, effective on February 16, 2025.

During his tenure, Martin helped secure one of the most “artistically dynamic and financially stable periods” in the CSO’s 130-year history, and launch the orchestra’s new chapter with the appointment of Cristian Măcelaru as the incoming Music Director.

Additionally, he oversaw the launch of several initiatives, including CSO Proof, which pioneered new concert formats, plus enhanced the CSO’s commitment to inclusion — implementing strategies to support underrepresented individuals in the industry.

Upon his retirement, Martin will be succeeded by CSO’s Chief Operating Officer Robert McGrath, who has been with the organization for the last 13 years and will serve as the acting President and CEO. 

McGrath also supported the orchestra through the coronavirus pandemic by leading the home-streaming programs while concert halls were closed during that time. 

“Robert McGrath has been a key partner of mine and an instrumental force in driving forward our strategic initiatives, fostering an exceptional, collaborative culture that makes possible our service to the community,” Martin said in The Enquirer. “His dedication to the Orchestra and the Cincinnati community is unmatched. The future of the CSO is bright under Robert’s leadership, and I look forward to working with him as we transition roles in the coming months.”

“It has been an honor to be a part of the forward trajectory of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and I am deeply grateful to Jonathan for his leadership and guidance through the years,” McGrath expressed.

“The seven years of leading the CSO in Cincinnati, a community that loves and nurtures the performing arts, has been unquestionably the highlight of my 45 years in the American orchestra field,” Martin added in WLWT News. “I am proud of the strength of our institution and its broadened service to our community. While my decision to retire is bittersweet for me personally, it was made less so by knowing that the CSO is a strong, stable organization with fabulous musicians, an extraordinarily talented Music Director Designate, a dedicated Board of Directors and an administrative staff that is the envy of our field.”

“Jonathan is a formidable leader,” commented CSO Board Chair Dianne Rosenberg. “His commitment to moving the CSO forward to embrace new opportunities and engage wider audiences has made a lasting impact on our Orchestra and our City. He leaves us with a bright future, and I am grateful to him for his dedication.”