Columbus Symphony Announces Senior Leadership Additions

As the Columbus Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 75th Anniversary season, it welcomes two new members to its senior leadership team. Jonathan Parish joins as Vice President of Artistic Planning & Programs, and Jacob Pope-McEntire has been appointed General Manager, setting the stage for a new chapter of inspiring leadership as the organization continues to deepen its commitment to building community through music. 

As Vice President of Artistic Planning & Programs, Jonathan Parrish manages areas of artistic administration including planning season programming with Music Director Rossen Milanov, Principal Pops Conductor Stuart Chafetz, Chorus Director Stephen Caracciolo, and Assistant Conductor Elias Miller. Parrish will manage relationships and contracts with world-class guest artists and their management, ensuring that the Columbus Symphony will continue to attract top-notch talent from across the nation and around the globe. He’ll also oversee the Symphony’s Education Department, which serves thousands of children and families annually through the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestras, the intensive Academy program for student musicians, in-school performances, Young People’s Concerts, and more.

With more than 20 years’ experience in arts management, Parrish most recently served as Vice President of Artistic and Orchestra Operations for the Buffalo Philharmonic, and previously held roles at the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, Hawaii Symphony, and Chamber Music Hawaii. Additionally, with over two decades’ experience as a professional horn player, Parrish has performed with the Washington National Opera, Washington Symphonic Brass, Harrisburg Symphony, and much more, including several Broadway national tours. He is a graduate of the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University and James Madison University. 

“Since moving to Columbus, I’ve felt so welcomed by the community, and I’ve been impressed by the performances of our stellar Columbus Symphony musicians,” Parrish said. “Columbus is clearly a great place to make music, and I look forward to collaborating with Maestro Milanov, the musicians, and staff to reach even higher levels of artistry as we celebrate this landmark 75th Anniversary season.”

As General Manager, Pope-McEntire will be responsible for behind-the-scenes logistics, ensuring that the talented musicians of the Columbus Symphony have what they need to perform at the highest level of professionalism and artistry. He will oversee operations including stage management, community engagement, personnel, and the music library, and will work with the Central Ohio Federation of Musicians, Local 103 of the American Federation of Musicians to support a collaborative and productive partnership. 

Pope-McEntire joined the Columbus Symphony after previously serving as Executive Director of Chamber Orchestra of the Springs in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with additional experience at the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps. A percussionist and conductor, he has completed the League of American Orchestras Certificate in Essentials of Orchestra Management course, and holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Northwestern University and master’s degree from the University of British Columbia. 

“It’s an honor to contribute to the work of a powerhouse like the Columbus Symphony. The public service that they provide to this dynamic city is invaluable and inspiring, and it’s been a warm welcome on all fronts in these first few weeks,” Pope-McEntire said. “Every element of this team is enormously impressive, from the musicians to the staff to the dedicated Board of Trustees and volunteers, and I’m looking forward to an exciting Nationwide Picnic with the Pops season just around the corner.”

“I’m thrilled to welcome both Jonathan and Jacob to the Columbus Symphony during this landmark 75th Anniversary season,” said Chief Executive Officer Maureen O’Brien. “Following thorough nationwide searches, it became clear that each brings not only exceptional experience and expertise, but also a deep commitment to artistic excellence, collaboration, and community impact. As our organization continues to grow and look boldly toward the future, Jonathan and Jacob will play an important role in helping us build on the Symphony’s remarkable legacy while advancing an exciting new chapter for music in Columbus.”